Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has returned from a reflective trip to the Vatican, where he attended a significant inauguration ceremony hosted by the Holy See. In a statement shared on Monday via his official X handle, Obi emphasized that his attendance was personal and spiritual—not political.
Describing the experience as deeply contemplative, Obi explained that his presence at the ceremony aligned with his past tradition of attending global events of moral and civic significance. “I have just returned from the Vatican, and it was a deeply solemn and reflective visit,” he wrote. “This visit, like many others I’ve made to such ceremonies worldwide, was about reflection—not politics.”
He stressed that the event should not be interpreted through a political lens, noting that moments of spiritual importance should be free from political discourse.
Clarifying that he did not meet with Pope Francis personally, Obi said the Papal Audience was reserved for heads of state and officially accredited diplomats. Despite this, he drew attention to what he described as the most important part of the ceremony: the Pope’s homily.
Obi highlighted Pope Francis’ call to action against global poverty and his appeal for unity across ethnic, political, and religious boundaries. He encouraged Nigerians to reflect on the moral depth of the Pope’s message and take practical steps toward building a more equitable society.
“The real takeaway from such a gathering isn’t just about attending,” Obi noted. “It’s about the commitment to act on the message—especially the call to fight corruption and ensure that resources are directed toward education, healthcare, poverty reduction, and infrastructure development.”
He ended his remarks with a heartfelt appeal to those in leadership positions across Nigeria to work toward a more just, compassionate, and prosperous nation.
Interestingly, Obi’s presence at the Vatican coincided with that of President Bola Tinubu and former Ekiti State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi. The trio had a brief interaction during the installation mass of Pope Leo XIV, a moment that sparked widespread attention on social media after being shared by presidential aide Bayo Onanuga.
