The Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 presidential election, Peter Obi, has said that his participation at the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, in Rome, is not political.
Obi said his participation was in line with his previous witnessing of inaugurations, swearing-ins, and official ceremonies across the world.
According to him, such occasions carry profound moral and spiritual significance.
The former presidential candidate was sighted with a former governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, at the ceremony held at St. Peter’s Square on Sunday; the duo was later seen with President Bola Tinubu.
In a post on X on Monday, the former Anambra State governor said, “This was never a political event and should remain untouched by politics. Some moments are best reserved for quiet contemplation.
“After the inaugural Mass, I did not attend the Papal Audience and therefore did not have the opportunity to meet the Holy Father personally. That honour was reserved for heads of state and accredited diplomats. For those who desire such an encounter, the Papal Audience continues traditionally.”
Obi explained that the content and moral force contained in the Pope’s homily, particularly his urgent call to fight poverty and promote a spirit of brotherhood that transcends ethnic, political, and religious boundaries, should command attention.
He said, “The deeper meaning of the gathering lies not in ceremonial gestures, but in whether those present internalised his message and will return with the resolve to act.
“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.
“These should be our major concern and the lasting message we carry home from the Vatican. May we, in whatever station we occupy, rise to the task of building a more just, compassionate, and prosperous nation.
In a statement on Sunday, the presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, said the former Ekiti governor spotted Obi and asked him to follow him to pay homage to Tinubu, which the former Anambra governor agreed to.
Onanuga said, “On getting to the President, Fayemi broke the ice between Obi and Tinubu.
“He said, ‘Mr. President, welcome to our church, and thank you for honouring the Pope with your presence.’”
He said, “President Tinubu, ever quick-witted, responded, ‘I should be the one welcoming you and Peter. I’m the Head of the Nigerian Delegation’.”
Responding, Obi was quoted as saying, “Yes, indeed. We are members of your delegation”.
