Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has addressed public speculation surrounding his recent visit to the Vatican, firmly stating that the trip was a spiritual engagement and should not be viewed through a political lens.

In a post shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, Obi emphasised that his attendance at the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV was a deeply personal and reflective experience.

“I have just returned from the Vatican, and it was a deeply solemn and reflective visit,” he wrote. “This was never a political event and should remain untouched by politics. Some moments are best reserved for quiet contemplation.”

Obi’s statement comes amid online discussions following the circulation of a photo showing him with President Bola Tinubu and former Ekiti State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi at the Vatican. Clarifying the context, Obi explained that while he attended the inauguration ceremony, he was not part of the Papal Audience, which was strictly reserved for heads of state and diplomatic representatives.

“My participation in the inauguration was in line with my tradition of witnessing significant events across the world,” he explained. “What truly matters is the content and moral force contained in the Pope’s homily.”

He redirected attention to the message delivered by Pope Leo XIV, which, according to Obi, carried a powerful call to action on issues such as poverty, unity, and social justice.

“The Pope urged the global community to rise above ethnic, political, and religious divides and embrace a spirit of brotherhood,” Obi noted. “It is this message — not ceremonial interactions — that should command our focus.”

Obi also took the opportunity to highlight the moral responsibility of leaders to pursue meaningful reforms. He underscored the importance of fighting corruption and investing in areas that directly impact citizens’ lives.

“Combating corruption is the essential first step in ensuring that national resources go toward what truly matters — education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, and infrastructure,” he said. “These should be our main priorities.”

Having remained active in political and social commentary since the 2023 general elections, Obi recently reaffirmed his commitment to working with coalitions focused on tackling poor governance, hunger, and economic hardship across Nigeria.