NewStats: 3,263,178 , 8,179,327 topics. Date: Wednesday, 04 June 2025 at 11:06 PM d2u4q

Opinion:

By PastorKay

5 Reasons Why Nigerians Must Stop Politicising the Pope’s Inauguration

The inauguration of Pope Leo was meant to be a sacred, historic moment — a global gathering of faith, unity, and spiritual alignment. Yet, in typical fashion, Nigerian politics found a way to stain what should have been a dignified occasion.

From headlines like:
“Seyi Tinubu bounced from handshake with the Pope – A Giant National Embarrassment!”
Or “Peter Obi Bounced From Entering The VVIP Section At The Vatican Papal.”

It’s clear that even the most solemn events are not safe from partisan drama. Here are 5 very strong reasons why Nigerians must stop this. Stop politicising the Pope’s inauguration — and any sacred international event.

1. It Tarnishes Nigeria’s Reputation Before the World

The Vatican is not a campaign ground, and the Pope’s inauguration is not a Nigerian political debate. When we turn such a revered global occasion into a battleground for party supremacy, it reflects poorly on our collective intelligence and maturity. Rather than showcasing leadership, we showcase disunity, and we drag the name of our nation through the mud.

2. It Pollutes a Holy Gathering with Partisan Bitterness

This was a moment of prayer, consecration, and interreligious harmony. By injecting tribalism, party rivalry, and political gossip into the narrative, we defiled a spiritual altar with carnal drama. We must learn to separate the sacred from the secular. Not every stage is for your preferred candidate. Sometimes, it’s simply about honour and humility before God.

3. It Reflects a Dangerous Obsession with Political Optics

Instead of asking “What did Nigeria contribute spiritually or diplomatically at the Vatican?”, some were focused on “Who was bounced from VVIP?” and “Who looked embarrassed?” This unhealthy obsession with image over essence reveals a people more concerned with clout than contribution. It’s time to grow up and start focusing on national impact, not cheap popularity.

4. It Fuels Division Instead of Promoting National Unity

When the whole world is watching, we should be standing as one nation — not splintered tribes with political knives drawn. Whether Obi, Tinubu, or anyone else represented Nigeria, it should have been with dignity. But when we attack one another at every opportunity, even on holy soil, we reinforce the narrative that Nigeria is forever divided and unserious.

5. It Misses the Bigger Picture of Global Relevance

While Nigerians were busy analyzing seats and sneaking videos, other nations were forging alliances, building goodwill, and gaining diplomatic ground. The Pope’s inauguration wasn’t just a ceremony — it was a nexus of power, spirituality, and influence. Instead of making the most of it, we wasted time bickering over irrelevant drama. We need to start seeing the bigger picture if we want to be taken seriously on the world stage.

Final Word:

Dear Nigerians, let’s stop dragging the name of our nation through the mud of petty politics — especially during globally significant spiritual events like the Pope’s inauguration. There’s a time for politics, and a time for honour. Let us learn the difference and act like the giant of Africa we claim to be.

PastorKay is a Political Analyst and Commentator.

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Tinubu was blessed by the Pope.

I was there when Pope said " I wish you could do 3rd or 4th Term, Bola"

Keep ur reasons to urself. Politics is not bad nor good. It is Nigerians that are bad or good

No one is politicalizing anything..

Nah bloggers dey do their work..
It’s a digital world where bloggers are always looking for how to create traffic. This is why politicians no dey too waka anyhow to anywhere..

If there will be national unity it must start from the top. When ur leaders are partisan it will trickle down

The pope is congratulating Mr president in advance

Ok o

Which relevance? Nigeria, relevant to who?You must be a joker.You see your president suit so?

Because it backfired against their always relevance seeking candidate, they are playing down the importance

Nigerians are too petty.

No one leader can be your problem if you know yourself.


My advice, run from.any 35_40 yrs old man weh still believe nigeria be him problem. That one no go ever better. Because at that age he still never de look inward.

But if he didn't go you will gladly politicise and call a religious bigot. Humans can never be pleased the earlier you know this the quicker your life starts moving without pressure. Just do you and move on while they keep yapping behind you.

Most of those criticizing Peter Obi are neither Catholics nor Christians, yet they are quick to attack him over matters of faith meanwhile he is a recognized Knight of the Church. The hypocrisy of these people is glaring.

It is shameful that some people will take politics to such heights that they'll put a paparazzi on their opponent to be stalking him everywhere he goes

This is same way they tapped his phone lines

What length won't these people go in their desperation to get an advantage over their opponents?

Is politics do or die?

This is dangerous and should be condemned

Okay.

APC vs Nigerians in 2027

If OBI was given VIP treatment you and other Obidients could have invade all media houses bragging, now that he was giving univited treatment you are here opening yeye thread pleading not to talk about it.

mrsqueen:
Opinion:

Eleyi wear suit today.

This is the best post I’ve come across on Nairaland this year. Many thanks to the poster!

Lol... As dem no allow obi shake pope e don turn politics arbi....

Nigerians should stop the pretence ,national unity is not through force but genuine critical reforms that could birth sense of oneness in every Nigerian

We didn't follow them to Rome, it was the bloggers who have been creating and posting pictures. So keep ur analysis to ur self

You ought to add

"It is childish and reflects the IQ and SQ of our Leaders and their followers"


After all this dust settles, dem no go add shingbain to international relevance with those using it to spite and bant. Shameless lots.

GeneralPula:
No one is politicalizing anything..

Nah bloggers dey do their work..
It’s a digital world where bloggers are always looking for how to create traffic. This is why politicians no dey too waka anyhow to anywhere..

Seems you are not on Twitter ( X ) , all APC ingluencers including Seyilaw Woye and even Bayo has been celebrating PBAT invitation as if it's a political achievement.

What makes a man is not power but follower of rules.
Obi means well for Nigeria no doubt even TINUBU knows that. But he should know about rules and protocol behavior

I wonder how this will benefit good governance..