Is it permissible to intend, by performing acts of obedience and repentance, to maintain good companionship and draw closer to them, or is this considered showing off?

Performing acts of obedience seeking the praise and commendation of the righteous, hoping to draw closer to them and maintain their company, is blameworthy ostentation (riya'). Allah Almighty accepts no deed except that which is pure and performed for His countenance. A Muslim must intend, by his deed, the countenance of Allah Almighty, as He says: "So worship Allah, [being] sincere to Him in religion" (Az-Zumar: 2), and He says: "And they were not commanded except to worship Allah, [being] sincere to Him in religion" (Al-Bayyinah: 5).