President Bola Tinubu, on Sunday, shared a cordial moment with Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, during the inauguration mass of Pope Leo XIV at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed the encounter via a post on X (formerly Twitter), noting the significance of the brief interaction amid Nigeria’s politically charged atmosphere following the 2023 general elections.
The meeting between Tinubu and Obi—who both contested the 2023 presidential election—was facilitated by Dr. Fayemi. According to Onanuga, Fayemi approached Tinubu, who was seated among global leaders, and invited Obi to join him in greeting the Nigerian President. Tinubu’s witty response—“I should be the one welcoming you and Peter. I’m the head of the Nigerian delegation”—sparked laughter and light-heartedness, with Obi affirming, “Yes, indeed. We are members of your delegation.”
The encounter, described as cordial and humorous, offered a rare display of camaraderie between political rivals, drawing widespread attention online. Supporters from both camps flooded social media with reactions, some praising the civility and others reigniting political debates.
Obi later commented on the event, reflecting on the solemnity of the occasion and recalling his previous visit to the Vatican with Fayemi in 2013 during the inauguration of Pope Francis. He highlighted his continued engagement with the Catholic Church, particularly through initiatives like Scholas Occurrentes, founded by Pope Francis to promote education, peace, and intercultural dialogue.
President Tinubu, speaking to reporters after the Mass, emphasized Nigeria’s unity in diversity, urging citizens to leverage their cultural and religious plurality for national development. “If we use our diversity not for adversity but for prosperity, the country’s hope is stability and progress,” he stated.
In a related meeting with members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to inclusive leadership. Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, President of the CBCN, expressed gratitude to Tinubu for facilitating the bishops’ participation in the Vatican events, including the funeral of Pope Francis and the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV.
Other prominent clergy present included Archbishops Ignatius Kaigama (Abuja), Alfred Martins (Lagos), and Bishop Mathew Kukah (Sokoto), signaling what many see as the beginning of a renewed partnership
