The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken a strong swipe at Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, over his recent statement describing internet fraudsters, also known as Yahoo boys, as “geniuses” who only need redirection.

In a statement released on Sunday by its spokesperson, Seye Oladejo, the party described Obi’s remarks as “morally wrong and unbecoming” of a former state governor and presidential candidate. Oladejo said it was disappointing that someone who frequently speaks against corruption would make comments that appear to glorify cybercrime, especially at a time when the country is battling issues of moral decay among the youth.

“There’s nothing genius about crime,” Oladejo said. “Yahoo-Yahoo is a social tragedy, not a talent. It is worrying that a supposed national leader would make such a statement. This shows a serious moral contradiction that should have no place in leadership.”

The APC spokesperson further accused Obi of making reckless and attention-seeking statements to remain politically relevant, saying his desperation for publicity has overshadowed reasoned leadership. He added that Obi misled many young Nigerians during the 2023 elections through “propaganda and emotional manipulation,” urging him to apologise for comments that could encourage moral indiscipline.

Reaffirming its stance, the Lagos APC stressed that it supports youth empowerment through innovation and creativity, not crime. The party warned that no one should attempt to romanticise or justify cybercrime, insisting that leadership must be anchored on “values, integrity, and moral responsibility.”