Lagos APC Condemns Peter Obi for Referring to Internet Fraudsters as “Talented Youths”
Story: written by Joseph Okafor October 27,2025
The Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a strong rebuke to Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, over his remarks suggesting that youths engaging in Internet fraud, popularly known as Yahoo-Yahoo, possess exceptional talent that could be redirected toward positive ventures.
In a statement released on Sunday, APC spokesperson Seye Oladejo described Obi’s comments as inappropriate and ethically troubling, particularly coming from a former governor and presidential contender.
Oladejo argued that presenting criminality as a form of ingenuity sends the wrong message in a society already contending with declining moral values. He stated that cyber fraud represents a social menace rather than a skill worthy of praise.
“There is no brilliance in criminal activity. Yahoo-Yahoo destroys lives, families, and Nigeria’s international reputation,” Oladejo stressed. He questioned Obi’s consistency, noting that a leader who frequently speaks against corruption should not appear to endorse cybercrime in any form.
The APC further accused Obi of deliberately making controversial statements to stay politically relevant, describing the comments as an irresponsible form of attention seeking.
According to Oladejo, Obi also misled the nation’s youth during the last election through emotional manipulation and exaggerated promises. He called on the Labour Party flagbearer to publicly apologise for his remarks, warning that such messaging could embolden moral misconduct among young people.
The Lagos APC reiterated its commitment to supporting youth development grounded in innovation, hard work, and ethical values, insisting that no act of fraud should ever be glamourised.
Obi made the controversial statements while speaking at a youth gathering in Onitsha on Saturday, where he urged young people to channel their talents toward productivity rather than illicit wealth pursuit and emphasised that true prosperity is built on integrity and community values.
