The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has revealed that his recent visit to the United States and Rome was dedicated to seeking divine intervention for Nigeria’s challenges.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a statement shared on Monday, Obi explained that his trip was both a time for reflection and a spiritual mission.
He said, “After my 2-day trip to the United States – where I addressed the Friendship Club on Saturday, 4 October, and spoke at the 1st Ubuntu African Youth Assembly in Washington on Sunday, 5 October – I departed that same night for Rome, arriving on 6th October to join my dearest wife, who was already in Rome waiting for me.”
Obi noted that the visit coincided with the Catholic Jubilee Year, a sacred event celebrated every 25 years, adding that he and his wife dedicated their prayers to Nigeria.
He said, “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.”
The politician disclosed that part of their prayers focused on forgiveness, peace, and good leadership in Nigeria. He said, “We also sought forgiveness for our national transgressions and implored God to intervene in the suffering of the Nigerian people.”
“We prayed for the injection into our political landscape selfless and compassionate leaders whose hearts He God would touch—leaders who would be truthful in word and deed, altruistic in service, and committed to using public resources for the common good.”
The former Anambra State Governor recounted that during the pilgrimage, he and his wife passed through three of the four Holy Doors in Rome, including those at St. Mary Major, St. Paul Outside the Walls, and St. John Lateran, where they joined other pilgrims in prayer.
He said, “At St. Mary Major, we prayed, passed through the Holy Door, and reflected at the grave of the late Pope Francis… We then proceeded to the Scala Sancta – the Holy Steps which Jesus ascended before Pontius Pilate – where we prayed with profound reverence, completing a day of deep spiritual reflection at some of Rome’s most sacred sites.”
Obi further said that on Wednesday, October 8, he attended the Papal General Audience at St. Peter’s Basilica, where he and his wife listened to the Catechesis of His Holiness on hope, perseverance, and steadfast faith.
He revealed that they later met with Pope Leo XIV (@Pontifex) saying, “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.”
The politician also mentioned meeting Nigerian pilgrims in Rome, describing them as men and women of faith whose faces shone with quiet hope. He added, “Together, we renewed our trust in God’s divine mercy and in the promise of a renewed and better Nigeria.”
While expressing faith in divine providence, Obi stressed that prayer must be matched with effort. He said, “I believe fervently in the power and providence of God. Yet, as we lift our nation before Him in prayer, we must not surrender to fatalism.”
“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.”
Obi concluded with a message of optimism, reaffirming his popular slogan: “A new Nigeria is POssible.”
