Labour Party presidential candidate in Nigeria’s 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has offered an explanation regarding his non-participation in the private audience with Pope Leo XIV during the Vatican’s special mass held on Sunday.

Obi was present at the ceremonial inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, the 267th Bishop of Rome and leader of the Roman Catholic Church. The high-profile event attracted global dignitaries, including Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, who was among the limited number of guests granted personal access to the Pope.

In the wake of the ceremony, some social media users—particularly supporters of the current administration—criticized Obi, a well-known Catholic, for not securing a personal meeting with the Pope. These commentators contrasted his experience with that of President Tinubu, a Muslim, who was seen exchanging pleasantries with the pontiff.

Responding to the narrative, Obi issued a statement via his official social media platforms, explaining that participation in the private audience was restricted to heads of state and formally accredited diplomats.

“I have just returned from the Vatican where I attended the inauguration of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. As with many global official ceremonies I have witnessed, this occasion held deep spiritual and moral significance,” Obi wrote.

He emphasized that the Vatican ceremony was not a political event and should not be viewed through a partisan lens. Obi also clarified that he did not attend the private Papal Audience, which is traditionally reserved for specific dignitaries.

“What truly matters,” he noted, “is not the ceremonial interactions but the message delivered by the Pope—particularly his call to combat poverty and promote unity across ethnic, political, and religious divides.”

Obi further highlighted the Pope’s emphasis on ethical governance and the need for leaders to prioritize critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. He called on public figures to embrace these values in order to build a more equitable and prosperous society.

Separately, a video from the Vatican event surfaced online, showing Seyi Tinubu, son of President Tinubu, being prevented by Vatican officials from joining his father in greeting the Pope. Although President Tinubu engaged briefly with the pontiff, his son was redirected away from the official greeting line.

Since May 2023, Seyi Tinubu has accompanied his father on several international visits, a pattern that has continued to prompt debate over his involvement in state affairs despite not holding an official government position.