The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly criticized Labor Party presidential candidate Peter Obi over comments he reportedly made describing internet fraudsters, popularly known as “Yahoo boys”, as “geniuses who need redirection, not condemnation.”

In a statement signed on Sunday by its spokesperson, Hon. Seye Oladejo, the APC described Obi’s remark as “obscene, morally reprehensible,” and a “dangerous attempt to trivialize criminality.”

The party said Obi’s comment undermines the ongoing national efforts to restore moral values and combat cybercrime.

“We are genuinely worried that someone who once aspired to lead this country would glorify fraudulent practices,” the statement read, adding that such views reflect “moral confusion that has no place in leadership.”

The APC argued that Nigerian youths deserve real empowerment opportunities, not validation of criminal behaviour, pointing to initiatives under the Tinubu administration such as the 3MTT programme and other digital innovation schemes.

While acknowledging the need to redirect youth energy toward productive opportunities, the Lagos APC insisted that fraud cannot be rebranded as talent.

“Internet fraud is not genius. It is theft, deceit, and a social tragedy,” Oladejo said.

He added that Obi owes young Nigerians an apology, accusing him of misleading them “through propaganda, misinformation, and emotional manipulation” during the last election cycle.

The statement concluded by stressing that leadership must be rooted in integrity and strong values, not “reckless statements aimed at remaining politically relevant.”