The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised the Labour Party’s former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, for describing internet fraudsters, popularly known as Yahoo Boys, as “creative and courageous geniuses.”

In a statement on Sunday by its spokesman, Seye Oladejo, the ruling APC expressed concern over what it called Mr Obi’s glorification of fraudulent practices, especially among Nigerian youths.

The APC described the former Anambra State governor’s comment as “morally reprehensible” and unbecoming of someone who has consistently condemned corruption while seeking to lead the country.

“There’s nothing genius about crime. ‘Yahoo-Yahoo’ is a social tragedy, not a talent,” the party stated. “We are genuinely worried about Mr Obi’s state of mind—one that glorifies fraudulent practices while condemning corruption and dishonesty in the same breath.”

“Such contradiction exposes a profound moral confusion that has no place in leadership.”

Mr Obi said in a post on X on Saturday that “our so-called Yahoo boys are geniuses who need redirection, not condemnation.”

“Their creativity and courage, if properly guided, can drive innovation and national development. Our challenge is to channel their energy from deception to productive enterprise.”

However, the Lagos APC accused Mr Obi of seeking political relevance through “reckless speech,” adding that he allegedly misled Nigerian youths during the 2023 general elections with “propaganda, misinformation, and emotional manipulation.”

“His desperation for attention has replaced reasoned leadership with reckless speech. He exploited the hopes of young people, fed their frustrations, and built a campaign on deceit and social media hysteria,” the statement added.

The APC advised Mr Obi to refrain from “embarrassing statements that insult the intelligence of the same young people he deceived.”

“True leadership demands responsibility, not recklessness; moral strength, not moral confusion. Internet fraud is not genius—it is theft, deceit, and moral failure.”

Mr Obi’s comment had drawn backlash from some Nigerians, including youths, who described it as “reckless” and accused him of indirectly supporting internet fraud.