Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has cautioned against attributing ethnic or political meanings to his recent visit to Rome, where he attended the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV on Sunday.
The former Anambra State Governor found himself at the center of political discourse after exchanging pleasantries with President Bola Tinubu during the event, sparking various reactions from supporters of both political figures.
In a statement released on his X (formerly Twitter) account Monday, Obi emphasized the spiritual nature of his visit while distancing it from political interpretations.
“I have just returned from the Vatican, and it was a deeply solemn and reflective visit,” Obi stated. “My participation in the inauguration ceremony was in line with my previous witnessing of inaugurations, swearing-ins, and official ceremonies across the world, this was no exception.”
Obi clarified that while he attended the inaugural Mass, he did not participate in the Papal Audience afterward, which was reserved for heads of state and accredited diplomats, and therefore did not personally meet the Pope.
The Labour Party figure redirected attention to the Pope’s message, highlighting the call to combat poverty and promote brotherhood that transcends ethnic, political, and religious divides. He stressed that the true significance of such gatherings lies not in ceremonial aspects but in whether attendees internalize and act upon the moral guidance offered.
“The fight against corruption is the essential first step toward building societies where resources are directed to what truly matters – education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, and infrastructure,” Obi noted.
He concluded by calling on Nigerians to focus on building “a more just, compassionate, and prosperous nation,” rather than dwelling on the political optics of his Vatican appearance.
The clarification comes amid ongoing political tensions in Nigeria’s post-election environment, where public appearances and interactions between political figures often generate significant public interest and speculation.
