President Bola Tinubu, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Ekiti State governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi met on Sunday at the Vatican during the installation Mass of Pope Leo XIV in Rome.
The occasion, which drew global dignitaries and leaders, also became a rare moment of camaraderie among key Nigerian political figures.
Fayemi, upon spotting President Tinubu seated among other international leaders, approached him with Peter Obi and suggested they pay their respects. Obi agreed, and the pair walked over to the President.
Breaking the ice with a warm gesture, Fayemi said, “Mr. President, welcome to our church, and thank you for honouring the Pope with your presence.”
President Tinubu, known for his quick wit, replied with a smile, “I should be the one welcoming you and Peter. I’m the Head of the Nigerian Delegation.”
The humorous remark drew laughter from Obi, who nodded in agreement and said, “Yes, indeed. We are members of your delegation.”
The exchange, though brief, highlighted a rare moment of unity and lightheartedness among prominent figures who had previously been political rivals.
Both Obi and Fayemi are devout Catholics and hold the distinguished title of Papal Knights, a recognition of their service to the Catholic Church.
The gathering at the Vatican was marked not just by its religious significance, but by this unexpected show of mutual respect among some of Nigeria’s top political voices.