Tinubu, Peter Obi, Fayemi meet in Rome

There was a mild moment of political intrigue on Sunday as President Bola Tinubu, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Mr. Peter Obi, and former Ekiti State governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi crossed paths at the Vatican.

According to a brief statement released by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the three Nigerian political figures met during the installation mass of Pope Leo XIV at St. Peter’s Square in Rome.

Though details of their interaction remain undisclosed, the unexpected meeting has sparked curiosity among political observers, given the distinct ideological and party lines separating the three leaders.

Their joint presence at such a solemn global religious event has been viewed as a symbolic show of unity—or at the very least, civility—amid Nigeria’s often heated political climate.

He said: “Fayemi sighted President Tinubu, where he sat with other leaders and asked Obi to follow him to pay homage to the Nigerian leader. Obi agreed.

“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.’

“President Tinubu, ever quick-witted, responded:  “I should be the one welcoming you and Peter. I’m the Head of the Nigerian Delegation’.

“The President’s response cracked up Obi, who agreed with the President.

“Obi said:  ‘Yes, indeed. We are members of your delegation’.”

PlatinumPost reports that Peter Obi and Fayemi are staunch Catholics and Papal knights.

Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, finished third behind Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 presidential election.

Obi secured a total of 6,101,533 votes, trailing Atiku’s 6,984,520 votes and Tinubu’s winning tally of 8,794,726 votes, according to official results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Despite his third-place finish, Obi caused a major political upset by defeating Tinubu in Lagos State—widely regarded as the President’s stronghold—and made significant inroads across key states in the South-East, South-South, and parts of the North Central.

As Nigeria looks ahead to the 2027 elections, Obi is reportedly repositioning for another shot at the presidency. He is also said to be part of a growing opposition coalition, which allegedly includes Fayemi, ex-ally of the President, which is gearing up to mount a strong challenge to Tinubu’s re-election bid.