The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly criticized former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, following his recent remarks suggesting that internet fraudsters, commonly known as Yahoo boys, should be redirected rather than prosecuted.

Obi, in a post on his official X page, stated:

“I told the youths that some of 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.”

Responding to Obi’s message, the APC, through its spokesperson Seye Oladejo, said:

“There’s nothing genius about crime, yahoo yahoo is a social tragedy, not a talent.”

In a detailed statement, the Lagos APC chapter expressed deep concern over Obi’s remarks, describing them as morally irresponsible.

“The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has noted, with deep concern, the recent obscene and morally reprehensible statement credited to the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, describing internet fraudsters, popularly known as Yahoo boys, as ‘geniuses who need redirection, not condemnation.’

“This reckless comment represents a new low from a politician on a free fall, a man so desperate to remain politically relevant that he now seeks validation through controversy. It is both disappointing and dangerous that someone who once aspired to lead Nigeria would trivialise criminality in a country striving to rebuild its moral foundation.”

The party also expressed alarm at what it called Obi’s glorification of fraud and moral contradiction.

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

“From his recent statements, Nigerians owe their Creator immense gratitude that the nation dodged a bullet during the last presidential election. The thought of someone with such confused values at the helm of national affairs is terrifying.

“It has become evident that the collapse of his so-called ‘movement’ and the lack of a credible political platform have brought out the worst in him. His desperation for attention has replaced reasoned leadership with reckless speech. There should be a limit to unbridled desperation.”

The APC condemned Obi’s comments as misleading, asserting that he exploited youth frustrations to build a campaign based on social media hype.

“Mr Obi owes the Nigerian youth – particularly those he misled through propaganda, misinformation, and emotional manipulation – a sincere apology.”

“He exploited their hopes, fed their frustrations, and built a campaign on deceit and social media hysteria. The least he can do now is to retain some modicum of respect by refraining from further embarrassing statements that insult the intelligence of the same young people he deceived.

“True leadership demands responsibility, not recklessness; moral strength, not moral confusion.

“While the APC firmly believes in youth empowerment and innovation, we reject any attempt to romanticise fraud or excuse crime under the pretext of compassion. Internet fraud is not genius; it is theft, deceit, and moral failure.”

The statement highlighted ongoing youth empowerment initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigerian youths are being equipped with real opportunities through initiatives such as the 3MTT (Three Million Technical Talent Programme), NELFUND, and digital innovation programmes that provide legitimate avenues for success.

“That is how responsible leadership redirects youthful potential – through empowerment and skill, not through glorification of crime. Leadership is about values, not vibes; about integrity, not impulsiveness. Mr Obi’s latest outburst is a tragic reminder that populism without principle is a danger to democracy.

“The APC remains committed to promoting discipline, innovation, and moral rectitude as the true path to Nigeria’s greatness. Our youths deserve mentorship, not manipulation; inspiration, not incitement.”

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, former Kogi State governorship candidate Olayinka Braimoh has officially defected from Action Alliance (AA) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Braimoh, who contested the 2023 gubernatorial election under AA, made the announcement on Saturday in Kabba, headquarters of Kabba-Bunu Local Government, during a formal defection ceremony.

He explained that his move was motivated by a desire to transform leadership in Kogi State.

“With the calibre of persons in the party, ADC coalition is the platform under which I believe my vision of a new Kogi State can be actualised,” Braimoh said.

He urged residents of Kogi to join the ADC movement, emphasizing the need for like-minded individuals to tackle poverty and ineffective governance in the state.

“The opportunity for the coalition and the need to have like minds work together to move the mountain of poverty and visionless leadership from our dear state, Kogi, motivated me to join ADC, and the party is also a bigger and better platform to contest.”

“Kogi State is below in terms of leadership performance, considering the potentials, capacities, and intellectual assets that this state possesses.”

“It is like a case of the worst leading the rest of us, while the best of us have not had the opportunity of leading. That is the reason why we decided to join the coalition to move our state forward,” he added.

Braimoh also encouraged citizens to obtain permanent voter cards (PVCs) and actively participate in the electoral process.

“The cries for a better Nigeria can only be made possible by Nigerians who are ready to take the bull by the horn by voting and seeking positions during the electioneering period,” he said.

Welcoming Braimoh, ADC Chairman in Kogi State, Hon. Kingsley Temitope Ogga, described his defection as a timely and strategic boost for the party.

“ADC has the sympathy of the citizens at heart, and by the time Nigerians give us power, they will see what we will do for the good of all,” Ogga said.

“Braimoh is a plus to the party in the state. ADC is united and ready to take centre stage in the next political dispensation in the country, promising righteous and credible leaders who will serve with the fear of God.”

Braimoh was formally presented with the party membership card, marking his official induction into ADC.

Former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has expressed optimism that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will return to power in the state during the 2027 general election.

Ortom gave the assurance on Friday in Makurdi while hosting members of the PDP G-14 and other party stakeholders from the 14 local government areas across the state.

The G-14 is a forum of PDP elders drawn from Benue North-East and Benue North-West senatorial districts, who serve as strategic advisers within the party.

Dismissing rumours of his alleged plan to defect from the PDP, Ortom described such reports as the handiwork of “mischief makers,” reiterating his commitment to the party and its ideals

. He maintained that the PDP in Benue remained strong and would emerge even more united ahead of the next polls.

“What is required of all of us is to remain resolute and work together to build this party,” Ortom said.

“I can assure you that if we stay united, the PDP will reclaim power in the state in the coming election.”

The former governor further stated that he had no plans to contest any elective office in 2027 but pledged his total support to all PDP candidates to ensure the party’s success at the polls.

He urged aspirants within the party to consult widely, stay focused, and not be discouraged by the recent defections of some members to the ruling party.

Also speaking at the event, Laha Dzever, leader of the PDP G-14, commended Ortom’s leadership, describing it as purposeful and unifying.

Dzever reaffirmed the group’s loyalty to the former governor and its commitment to working for the PDP’s victory in 2027.

The National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Ejimofor Opara, speaks on he party’s readiness for the November 8, 2025 Anambra governorship election and responds to criticisms from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

How prepared is APGA for the Anambra governorship election?

We are fully prepared. Our structures are strong, and our campaign is active across all 21 local government areas. In fact, our goal isn’t just to win all LGAs but to secure victory in the 5,720 polling units across Anambra.

Our campaign has been strategic rather than flamboyant. Governor Chukwuma Soludo, our candidate, has redefined the tone and character of political campaigns in Anambra and across the South-East.

On a scale of one to ten, our opponents are still struggling to reach one, while Soludo is already at a perfect ten.

The atmosphere in the state is calm and positive, and the mood within our party is that of confidence and celebration.

The APC has criticised the N50 million campaign fee, calling it a ploy by the APGA-led government to suppress opposition. What’s your reaction?

That’s simply crying wolf. The Anambra State Advertising and Signage Agency (ANSAA) is a legally established body responsible for regulating outdoor advertising and ensuring public safety. Similar practices exist globally.

If the APC has concerns about the fees, they should formally engage with the agency instead of making baseless accusations.

The APC insists it will win the election. Do you take that claim seriously?

Everyone is entitled to dream, even if it’s a bad dream. The APC in Anambra knows it’s fighting a lost battle. Their candidate does not even enjoy the support of their national leadership — not even the President.

The truth is, the APC has no real structure in Anambra. It is, in every sense, a toothless bulldog. If they claim to exist, let them show their ward and local government structures.

How can anyone say APGA has failed in Anambra? What do they even understand by “failure”? The reality is that Anambra remains stable, and Governor Soludo’s leadership is delivering results.

The APC also alleges that community donations to Soludo’s campaign are sourced from local government funds. What’s your response?

That’s false and mischievous. Has any local government come out to say their allocation was withheld? None. The APC is simply grasping at straws.

What they should be asking themselves is whether they even have a manifesto. They don’t. Their only campaign message is that they want to “connect to the centre.”

But governance is not about connection, it’s about service.

Anambra people are voluntarily donating to Governor Soludo because they believe in his leadership. These are real people, not ghosts. If the APC has proof that the donations are illegal, they should present it to the EFCC.

The truth is, Soludo’s candidacy is not just APGA’s — it’s a consensus candidacy of the people of Anambra.

The APC claims that the governor is trying to distract its candidate by questioning his qualifications. What’s your take?

If your certificate is genuine, how is that a distraction? Qualification is a fundamental issue in every election. Recently, a minister resigned after it was discovered that his certificate was fake.

So, if the APC feels uncomfortable about certificate verification, perhaps they have something to hide. Those who are genuine don’t get distracted by the truth.