Peter Obi has called on Nigerians, including President Bola Tinubu, to apply the lessons of the message delivered by Pope Leo XIV during the pontiff’s inauguration as the new Roman Catholic Church leader.

“The fight against corruption is the essential first step toward building societies where resources are directed to what truly matters – education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, and infrastructure,” Mr Obi explained. “These should be our major concern and the lasting message we carry home from the Vatican. May we, in whatever station we occupy, rise to the task of building a more just, compassionate, and prosperous nation,” the former governor stated.

The major opposition figure in Nigeria also clarified that his presence at the Vatican was not political.

The clarification came hours after the presidential aide Bayo Onanuga posted the pictures of the President Bola Tinubu, former Governor Kayode Fayemi and Mr Obi standing together at the Vatican.

While several of Mr Obi’s supporters dismissed the meeting as immaterial, others interpreted it as a typical political strategy by the former Anambra governor to make peace with Mr Tinubu’s administration.

Mr Obi, known for scathing criticisms of Mr Tinubu’s policies that have plunged Nigerians into hardship, noted that his attendance at the event had no political undertones.

“What should truly command our attention, however, is the content and moral force contained in the pope’s homily, particularly his urgent call to fight poverty and promote a spirit of brotherhood that transcends ethnic, political, and religious boundaries,” said the former Anambra governor on Monday via a post on X. “The deeper meaning of the gathering lies not in ceremonial gestures, but in whether those present internalised his message and will return with the resolve to act.”

He added, “My participation in the inauguration ceremony was in line with my previous witnessing of inaugurations, swearing-ins, and official ceremonies across the world, this was no exception

“Such occasions carry profound moral and spiritual significance. This was never a political event and should remain untouched by politics. Some moments are best reserved for quiet contemplation.”