CITIZENS COMPASS– President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, 2023 Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and former Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, on Sunday, exchanged pleasantries barely two years after the 2023 general elections.
The unscheduled meeting occurred at St. Peter’s Square in Rome during the historic inauguration mass of Pope Leo XIV. The trio, despite their political differences, shared light-hearted moments and pleasantries while waiting for the ceremony to begin, as captured in now-viral photographs.
The trio appeared relaxed, with smiles all around at the meeting— a scene that starkly contrasts the fiery debates and sharp divisions often witnessed among their supporters online and offline.
Observers were quick to note the irony: while political fanbases of these figures frequently clash and trade insults across social media platforms, their principals demonstrated camaraderie and mutual respect on the global stage.
The pictures have since gone viral on several Nigerian news platforms, with many calling for the same level of tolerance and maturity among political supporters.
The Vatican event marked the beginning of Pope Leo XIV’s papacy, attracting dignitaries from around the world, including U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. But it was the rare moment of unity among top Nigerian political figures that has become one of the most talked-about highlights of the ceremony back home.
