The **Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC)** has strongly criticised **Peter Obi**, the **Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate**, over his recent comments describing internet fraudsters (popularly known as *Yahoo boys*) as “geniuses who need redirection.”
Gossip News Now recalls that Obi made the remarks during a **youth conference in Onitsha** on Saturday, where he argued that many internet fraudsters possess creativity and intelligence that could be redirected toward productive causes with the right guidance.
In response, the **APC**, through a statement issued on Sunday by its spokesperson **Seye Oladejo**, condemned Obi’s statement as **“morally reprehensible”** and **“an insult to hardworking Nigerian youths.”**
Oladejo said Obi’s remarks trivialized criminal behavior and questioned his moral standing as a public figure.
> “There’s nothing genius about crime. Yahoo-Yahoo is a social tragedy, not a talent,” Oladejo stated.
> “We are genuinely concerned about Obi’s moral compass. How can someone who constantly condemns corruption also glorify cybercrime? Such contradictions reveal a dangerous moral confusion that has no place in leadership.”
The APC spokesperson further accused Obi of using **controversial statements** to remain politically relevant, describing his approach as a **“reckless attempt at attention-seeking.”**
> “His desperation for attention has replaced reasoned leadership with reckless speech. There should be a limit to unrestrained desperation,” Oladejo added.
**APC Accuses Obi of Misleading Youths, Demands Apology Over “Yahoo Boys” Remark**
Continuing its criticism, the **Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC)** accused **Peter Obi** of misleading many young Nigerians during the **2023 general elections** through what it described as **“propaganda, misinformation, and emotional manipulation.”**
APC spokesperson **Seye Oladejo** urged the Labour Party candidate to **apologise to Nigerian youths** for his recent comments, warning that such rhetoric could **promote moral decay** and **normalize wrongdoing** among impressionable citizens.
> “Peter Obi owes Nigerian youths an apology. Words like his can encourage moral indiscipline and erode the values we’re trying to build as a nation,” Oladejo said.
Reaffirming its stance, the Lagos APC maintained that while the party supports **youth empowerment, creativity, and innovation**, it firmly rejects any **attempt to romanticize or justify cybercrime** in the name of intelligence or talent.
> “Leadership must be built on values, integrity, and moral responsibility,” Oladejo added.
> “You cannot claim to inspire the next generation while downplaying the gravity of criminal behavior. True leadership guides young people toward productivity and ethical excellence — not excuses for crime.”
