By BONIFACE AKARAH

The media office of the 2027 presidential hopeful under the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has dismissed claims that his growing political popularity is merely an internet-driven trend, insisting that his influence is rooted in a verifiable governance record and fiscal discipline.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the spokesman of the Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR), Ibrahim Umar, the media office said critics had repeatedly sought to reduce Obi’s political rise to the “Obidient” online movement, often dismissing it as a temporary digital phenomenon.

According to the statement, Obi’s popularity among young Nigerians and online supporters is tied to what it described as his proven record in private corporate governance and public financial management.

“The media office of Peter Obi has again noted the deliberate attempt to tag the meteoric political rise of our principal an online movement — often characterised by the highly vocal, youth-driven ‘Obidient’ digital phenomenon,” the statement said.

“These belittling critics frequently dismissed it as a mere flash in the pan or an internet fad. But the Obi Media Office is here to show them a deeper look at political and economic data on Obi revealing that this online trend is heavily anchored in tangible historic antecedents.”

The statement highlighted Obi’s private sector background, noting that he became one of the youngest chairmen of Fidelity Bank and held executive positions in several financial and logistics firms before venturing into politics.

According to the media office, Obi’s advocacy for reducing the cost of governance reflects a philosophy he reportedly implemented during his time as governor of Anambra State by cutting excesses in public spending.

The statement further argued that Obi’s administration in Anambra between 2006 and 2014 provided measurable achievements that continue to shape his political appeal.

It claimed that Obi left behind assets worth about N75 billion alongside approximately $500 million in cash and sovereign bonds at the end of his tenure.

On education, the media office said Obi restored schools to missionary management and introduced direct funding support, a move it claimed contributed to Anambra emerging as one of Nigeria’s top-performing states in WAEC and NECO examinations.

“The ‘Go and Verify’ mandate adopted by many of Obi’s supporters stems from the fact that his public policy claims are easily cross-referenced with public records and independent assessments,” the statement added.

The media office also cited infrastructure and security interventions during Obi’s tenure, claiming that more than 658 kilometres of urban and rural roads were constructed while local vigilante groups were supported to improve security and economic activities.

The statement further argued that Obi’s reputation for fiscal prudence and public integrity has strengthened his appeal among young Nigerians seeking transparency and accountability in governance.

“In a political landscape defined by systemic leakages, an antecedent of leaving measurable fiscal surpluses makes his digital platform highly attractive to a youth demographic desperate for structural transparency,” Umar said.

It added that Obi’s continued criticism of excessive public spending and borrowing remained consistent with what it described as the education-focused and prudent policies he pursued while in office.

“Ultimately, therefore, Peter Obi Media Office is insisting based on empirical evidence adduced above that the online trend is not a synthetic social media fabrication but the digital amplification of a pre-existing blueprint of governance,” the statement said.