Nigeria's fierce political rivals share joke at pope's inaugural mass

Nigerian political rivals Peter Obi and President Bola Tinubu were seen laughing together. This happened at Pope Leo XIV's inaugural mass in Rome.

Tinubu, from the All Progressives Congress, defeated Obi of the Labour Party in 2023. Obi challenged this result at the Supreme Court but was unsuccessful.

Their supporters have a history of rivalry. This has led to clashes on social media and even physical confrontations before the elections.

Both leaders are expected to compete again in 2027 as Nigeria prepares for another election.

Photos of their meeting were shared by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga. He described how Obi and a former governor greeted Tinubu at the event.

"Mr President, welcome to our church," said former Ekiti state governor Kayode Fayemi. "Thank you for honouring the Pope with your presence."

Obi and Fayemi are both Catholics, while Tinubu is Muslim.

Tinubu replied, "I should be welcoming you and Peter. I'm head of the Nigerian delegation."

This response made Obi laugh, and he agreed, saying, "Yes, indeed. We are members of your delegation."

Despite this encounter, Obi did not mention it in his long post on X about his Vatican visit.

Alkassim Hussain, a member of Nigeria's House of Representatives, spoke to the BBC about their meeting. He said it was good for politics and could help reduce tension.

"They portrayed a good image of the country," he noted. "Politics should be played without bitterness."

Hussain hopes that supporters can see that after elections and court cases, unity is important for national growth.

Tinubu won the 2023 elections amid a split opposition between Labour Party and Peoples Democratic Party.

There is speculation that these parties might form a coalition in 2027 against Tinubu. He is expected to seek a second term.

Elections in Nigeria often face violence. Hundreds have lost their lives since democracy returned in 1999.