By Daily Review Online
The media office of Peter Obi has defended the growing popularity of the former Anambra State governor, insisting that his political influence is rooted in measurable governance achievements rather than social media hype.
In a statement issued on Monday by Ibrahim Umar, spokesman of the Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR), the office rejected claims by critics that Obi’s political movement, popularly associated with the youth-driven “Obidient” online community, is merely an internet fad.
According to the statement, Obi’s rise in national politics is anchored on what it described as a proven record in corporate governance, fiscal discipline and public administration.
The media office argued that before venturing into politics, Obi had already built a reputation in the private sector, particularly in banking and logistics management. It noted that he was the youngest person to serve as Chairman of Fidelity Bank and held executive positions in several firms.
The statement added that Obi’s advocacy for reducing the cost of governance was consistent with the management philosophy he applied both in business and as governor of Anambra State between 2006 and 2014.
It further stated that Obi’s administration implemented the Anambra Integrated Development Strategy (ANIDS), which aligned state development goals with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Highlighting achievements credited to Obi’s tenure, the media office said he left office with certified assets valued at about N75 billion, alongside nearly 500 million dollars in cash and sovereign bonds.
The statement also claimed that the former governor transformed the education sector by returning schools to missionary management and introducing direct funding, a move it said contributed to Anambra’s rise to the top of WAEC and NECO rankings.
On infrastructure and security, the media office said Obi’s administration constructed more than 658 kilometres of roads across urban and rural communities while supporting local vigilante groups to improve security and economic activities, particularly around Onitsha.
The statement further maintained that Obi’s public image continues to resonate with young Nigerians because of his emphasis on transparency, prudent spending and human capital development.
According to the media office, Obi’s popular “Go and Verify” slogan gained traction because many of his claims could allegedly be confirmed through public records, financial reports and independent assessments.
It also stressed that the former governor maintained what it described as an unblemished integrity record, saying he had never faced prosecution or investigation over alleged misappropriation of public funds during or after his tenure in office.
The statement concluded that the “Obidient” movement should be seen as “the digital amplification of a pre-existing blueprint of governance” rather than an artificial social media creation.