Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has expressed concern over recent remarks attributed to the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), warning of far-reaching implications for the country’s moral and institutional framework.
In a statement shared on his official X account on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, Obi reacted to claims that a significant proportion of Nigerian university students are involved in internet fraud, commonly referred to as “419.”
“The worrisome statement by the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that 6 out of every 10 Nigerian university students are involved in ‘419’ is deeply troubling and must not be taken lightly,” he stated.
He highlighted the relatively small population of students in higher institutions, noting the potential scale of the issue if the claim reflects reality.
“Nigeria already has a very limited number of students in higher institutions, estimated at 2 to 2.5 million. If indeed about 60% of them, roughly 1.4 million young people, are involved in fraud, then we are not just facing a crime issue; we are confronting a serious moral and systemic failure,” Obi said.
The former candidate questioned the underlying causes of the development and pointed to societal influences shaping youth behavior. “The question we must ask ourselves is: what has brought us to this level? Who are the role models these students are looking up to?. What values are they learning from society?” he asked.
Obi emphasized the impact of leadership and societal standards on younger generations. “We must understand that young people become what they consistently see. When a system appears to reward wrongdoing, when integrity is not upheld, and when those in leadership are associated with allegations of forgery and dishonesty without consequence, it sends a dangerous message,” he stated.
He added, “It suggests that hard work does not matter, and that results, by any means, are acceptable. These points clearly point to a collapse of moral values.” Referencing classical philosophy, Obi stated, “As Socrates rightly said, ‘An unexamined life is not worth living.’ Nigeria must now examine itself.”
He clarified that his remarks were not aimed at condemning young people but at addressing broader leadership concerns. “This is not about condemning our young people. It is about accepting that leadership sets the tone. If we do not demonstrate integrity at the top, we cannot expect it at the bottom,” he said.
Obi called for reforms centered on accountability and value reorientation. “We must urgently rebuild our value system, enforce accountability without bias, and create an environment where honesty, hard work, and discipline are rewarded. That is the only sustainable path to securing the future of our nation,” he stated…See More
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