President Bola Tinubu, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Ekiti State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi shared a cordial moment on Sunday during the inauguration mass of Pope Leo XIV at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

This interaction, highlighted by humour and mutual respect, comes nearly two years after the closely contested 2023 presidential election, in which Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, was declared the winner ahead of Obi and other contenders.

The meeting drew public attention due to the political rivalry that characterised the election period, making their brief yet friendly exchange noteworthy within Nigeria’s often polarised political atmosphere.

According to the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who shared details of the encounter on X (formerly Twitter), the three Nigerian leaders exchanged pleasantries in a moment that captured the spirit of unity.

“Fayemi sighted President Tinubu, where he sat with other leaders, and asked Obi to join him in paying homage to the Nigerian leader. Obi agreed,” Onanuga wrote.

“On getting to the President, Fayemi broke the ice by saying, ‘Mr President, welcome to our church, and thank you for honouring the Pope with your presence.’

“President Tinubu, ever witty, responded, ‘I should be the one welcoming you and Peter. I’m the head of the Nigerian delegation.’

“Obi, laughing, agreed with the President, saying, ‘Yes, indeed. We are members of your delegation.’”

Both Obi and Fayemi, who are devout Catholics and Papal knights, have longstanding ties to the Vatican. On his X handle, Obi reflected on the significance of the day.

“Today’s event was particularly special, as it marked the beginning of a new papacy,” he wrote. “I exchanged warm greetings with President Bola Tinubu and was pleased to see the diverse gathering of world leaders and pilgrims who came in faith and unity.”

He also recalled visiting the Vatican in 2013 with Fayemi, then as fellow governors, during the inauguration of Pope Francis.

“Dr. Fayemi and I stood once again beneath the majestic dome of St. Peter’s Basilica... evoking memories of our presence here in 2013 for the inauguration of Pope Francis – a deeply significant moment for the Church and the world.”

Obi further noted his involvement in global initiatives such as Scholas Occurrentes, founded by Pope Francis, which promotes education, peace, and intercultural dialogue.

Photos from the encounter shared by Onanuga quickly went viral, sparking a wide range of reactions. While many Nigerians welcomed the show of civility, others reignited partisan debates over the 2023 election and national leadership.

Meanwhile, President Tinubu addressed reporters after the Mass, emphasising the importance of national unity.

“Our diversity should be a source of strength, not adversity,” he said. “We must harness it for Nigeria’s progress and stability. It is a work in progress, but together, we can achieve great things.”

He described the moment as historic, noting the significance of being President during the installation of a new Pope.

The President also met with members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), where he reiterated his commitment to national unity and collaboration with the Church.

“If we use our diversity for prosperity rather than adversity, Nigeria’s future is bright,” he told the bishops.

Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, President of the CBCN, thanked Tinubu for facilitating the bishops’ presence at the Vatican for the burial of Pope Francis and the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV.

“You are always there for us. Now that you have come to the Vatican, whenever we have our conference in Nigeria, we will also invite you. We look forward to engaging you just as you were able to do with the Holy Father,” Archbishop Ugorji said.

Other bishops in the delegation included Archbishops Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, Alfred Martins of Lagos, and Bishop Mathew Kukah of Sokoto.

President Tinubu is in Rome as part of Nigeria’s official delegation to honour the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, the 267th Bishop of Rome.