Peter Obi, the Labour Party former presidential candidate, said his recent visit to the United States and Rome was dedicated to seeking divine intervention for Nigeria’s challenges.
Obi, in a post on his X platform, said he travelled to the US for a two-day engagement before proceeding to Rome to join his wife for a spiritual pilgrimage marking the Catholic Jubilee Year.
He said that they prayed for national unity, forgiveness, and the emergence of leaders driven by truth, compassion, and selfless service.
“With hearts full of gratitude, we thanked God that despite our differences and the many challenges faced over sixty-five years of independence, He has kept us together as one nation — a rare and profound blessing for which we remain deeply thankful,” Obi said.
He said that they sought God’s mercy and guidance for the country, asking for leaders “whose decisions would reflect competence, capacity, character, and commitment to the welfare of all.”
Obi said they passed through the Holy Doors of three Papal Basilicas — St. Mary Major, St. Paul Outside the Walls, and St. John Lateran — where they prayed for Nigeria’s peace and prosperity.
On October 8, the couple attended the Papal General Audience at St. Peter’s Basilica and completed their pilgrimage by passing through the final Holy Door.
“At St. Peter’s, we were privileged to be received in audience by His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV, to whom we humbly appealed for prayers for our beloved country, Nigeria,” he added.
Obi said that while faith is essential, Nigerians must also take responsibility for building a better nation.
“Faith does not absolve us of responsibility; rather, it calls us to action. As Nigerians, we must each continue to do our part — with honesty, diligence, and love — for the healing and progress of our country,” he added.
