VATICAN CITY — Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in Nigeria’s 2023 general elections, has returned from a reflective trip to the Vatican, where he was present at a significant religious ceremony led by the Holy See.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, Obi emphasized that his visit was purely personal and spiritual, not political. He urged the public to avoid interpreting his attendance through a political lens.
“It was a solemn and introspective journey,” Obi stated. “Attending the inauguration was consistent with my history of witnessing key global events of moral and spiritual significance. This was no different.”
Obi clarified that he did not participate in the Papal Audience, a segment of the Vatican event reserved exclusively for heads of state and formally accredited diplomats. As such, he did not have a private meeting with Pope Francis.
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However, the former Anambra State governor underscored the importance of the Pope’s message during the homily, which he described as a universal call to action. The Pope’s sermon urged global leaders to combat poverty and foster unity beyond political, religious, and ethnic divisions.
“The true essence of the gathering lies in the message — a moral imperative to combat corruption and channel national resources toward education, healthcare, poverty reduction, and infrastructure development,” Obi noted.
He called on Nigerian leaders to embody the values preached at the Vatican by working toward a more equitable and humane society. “What we take home should not be the grandeur of the ceremony but a renewed commitment to justice, compassion, and national progress,” he concluded.
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In a related development, a brief moment of attention emerged on social media after presidential aide Bayo Onanuga posted an image showing Obi alongside President Bola Tinubu and former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi. The trio crossed paths during the installation mass of Pope Leo XIV, an event that brought together dignitaries from across the globe.
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The encounter, while brief, sparked conversations online due to the political profiles of the individuals involved. However, observers noted that the setting was primarily religious, with minimal political undertones.
