Obidient movement not internet-driven — Media Office

The media office of the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has dismissed claims that his growing political influence is merely an internet-driven phenomenon, insisting that the “Obidient” movement is rooted in his record in corporate leadership and public governance.

In a statement issued on Monday by the Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR) spokesman, Ibrahim Umar, the media office argued that critics who describe Obi’s rise as a social media fad have failed to acknowledge what it termed the “historic antecedents” behind the former Anambra State governor’s popularity.

According to the statement, the youth-driven digital movement backing Obi is anchored on his performance in both the private sector and public office rather than online activism alone.

The media office pointed to Obi’s corporate background, noting his role as one of the youngest individuals to serve as chairman of Fidelity Bank Plc and his involvement in executive positions across financial and logistics firms.

It argued that Obi’s advocacy for reducing the cost of governance mirrors the cost-efficiency and asset management strategies he applied during his corporate career and later introduced into public administration.

The statement further highlighted Obi’s tenure as governor of Anambra State between 2006 and 2014, describing it as the foundation of his current political appeal.

According to the media office, Obi’s administration implemented the Anambra Integrated Development Strategy (ANIDS), aligning development priorities with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

It listed fiscal management, education, infrastructure, security and public accountability as key pillars of his administration.

The statement claimed that Obi left office with certified assets worth N75 billion alongside about $500 million in cash and sovereign bonds.

On education, the media office said his administration restored schools to missionary ownership and introduced direct funding initiatives, which it claimed contributed to Anambra attaining top positions in WAEC and NECO rankings.

The statement also credited Obi with constructing more than 658 kilometres of roads and supporting local security initiatives to tackle crime and improve economic activities, particularly in commercial areas such as Onitsha.

The media office maintained that Obi’s governance record inspired the “Go and Verify” slogan popular among his supporters, arguing that many of his policy claims could be independently validated through public records and institutional assessments.

It further stated that Obi’s anti-corruption image and emphasis on fiscal prudence continue to resonate with young Nigerians seeking transparency and accountability in governance.

According to the statement, Obi’s current positions on public spending, borrowing and human capital development are consistent with policies he pursued while in office.

The media office concluded that the “Obidient” movement should not be viewed as a synthetic social media creation but rather as the digital amplification of a pre-existing governance blueprint.