Peter Obi: Government Fraudsters Outnumber ‘Yahoo Boys’ Outside

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has once again taken a strong stand against the current administration, claiming that there are more fraudsters in government than in the streets. In his latest bold statement, Obi pointed out that the real issue facing Nigeria isn’t just the infamous ‘Yahoo boys’ (internet fraudsters) outside but also corrupt officials within the government who are siphoning public funds.

Obi, the former governor of Anambra State, made these remarks while delivering the keynote address at Nexford University’s 4th graduation ceremony on Saturday, January 25, 2025. The theme of the event, ‘Lead the Change; Ignite Your Future,’ served as the perfect backdrop for his message of accountability and leadership.

Speaking candidly, Obi stressed that Nigeria has essentially become a “crime scene,” with government officials stealing just as much as, if not more than, those outside the system. “For governance, don’t think when we talk about vices, it is only Yahoo boys,” Obi said. “There are actually more Yahoo people in government than there are outside because we have turned the entire country into a crime scene where people inside are stealing, and people outside are stealing.”

The former governor emphasized the urgent need for effective leadership to steer the country away from corruption and towards progress. He called on the graduates, who had just completed their studies, to use their knowledge and skills to drive positive change in their communities.

“It’s about leadership and igniting the future. It’s not rocket science, but it is difficult. It’s about having strong character and the ability not to do the wrong thing,” Obi said. He encouraged the graduates to become agents of change, helping to reshape a society that he believes has been poorly managed by past generations. “You are a victim of Nigeria’s past leadership, but you now have the power to make a difference,” he added.