President Bola Tinubu, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi were seen sharing warm pleasantries during Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome, on Sunday.
According to Presidential Adviser Bayo Onanuga, Fayemi approached Tinubu with Obi, humorously introducing them as part of Nigeria’s delegation. Tinubu responded wittily, “I should be the one welcoming you and Peter. I’m the head of the Nigerian delegation.”
Obi laughed and replied:
“Yes, indeed. We are members of your delegation.”
The interaction, though brief, sparked a wave of reactions online as it brought together political rivals from the contentious 2023 presidential election, where Tinubu defeated both Obi and PDP’s Atiku Abubakar.
Peter Obi reflected on the event, calling it a “special day,” and recalled his 2013 visit for Pope Francis’ inauguration with Fayemi when they were both state governors. He also highlighted his involvement in Scholas Occurrentes, Pope Francis’ initiative for peace and education.
President Tinubu, addressing journalists after the mass, emphasized unity in diversity, “If we use our diversity not for adversity but for prosperity, the country’s hope is stability and progress.”
He also met with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, who thanked him for facilitating their attendance. The President expressed a desire to continue strengthening ties with the Church, describing the moment as “historic.”
Attendees included Archbishops Lucius Ugorji, Ignatius Kaigama, Alfred Martins, and Bishop Matthew Kukah.
Tinubu, a Muslim, stressed the significance of faith-based unity and urged leaders to prioritize the well-being of all Nigerians.
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