FACT-CHECK: Did Peter Obi Kneel Before President Tinubu at the Inauguration of Pope Leo XIV?
Claim:
A viral image circulating on social media, particularly on Facebook, purports to show Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, kneeling before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration at the Vatican.
The image shows President Tinubu seated while Peter Obi appears to kneel before him. The accompanying caption reads:
“His cohorts in journey of column won’t see this, am quite sure Peter Obi traveled to Rome purposely to have the attention of Mr President… oya let the Obimumu debunk it… God is the ultimate, PBAT was God-ordained… won o ti ri NKANKAN.”
The post triggered a wave of online reactions, with users questioning the integrity of political actors and alleging that personal ambition has trumped public service.
Context:
Cardinal Robert Prevost, an American prelate, was recently elected as Pope Leo XIV following Pope Francis’s confirmed death at the age of 88. The new pontiff, who is 69 and originally from Chicago, previously served in South America and at the Vatican. His inauguration was held on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City, and was attended by several world leaders, including Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu.
Contrary to some online disinformation, it was U.S. President Joe Biden—not Donald Trump—who officially acknowledged the election as a historic moment for the Catholic Church.
Verification:
To verify the claim, PRNigeria conducted a reverse image search and digital forensic analysis. The image first surfaced online on Monday, May 19, 2025, shortly after the Vatican ceremony.
Official Reports:
On May 15, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu’s special adviser on Media and Strategy, confirmed via his verified X (formerly Twitter) account that the President was invited to Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration and was scheduled to return to Nigeria on Tuesday, May 20.
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Credible media outlets also reported that Peter Obi was present at the Vatican during the event. However, no evidence or report indicated that he knelt before President Tinubu. Instead, multiple reports confirm that Obi respectfully exchanged greetings with the President, alongside former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.
Forensic Image Analysis:
Digital forensics conducted by PRNigeria found several indicators of image manipulation:
- Facial and Bodily Inconsistencies: The faces, particularly Obi’s, show signs of artificial insertion. The kneeling posture and body proportions appear digitally distorted.
- Lighting and Shadow Mismatch: Lighting angles on the figures are inconsistent with the background, suggesting artificial composition.
- Blending Issues: Edges around the figures, especially Obi’s facial outline, show poor blending and layering, indicating the use of cut-and-paste techniques.
- Stock Image Clues: The Vatican setting in the background appears to be a stock image reused in other unrelated montages.
Response from Peter Obi’s Media Office:
In an official statement published by Politics Digest, Valentine Obienyem, Peter Obi’s media adviser, described the viral image as “clearly photoshopped.” He reiterated that no credible media outlet captured or reported such an incident.
Obienyem debunked another doctored image purportedly showing Obi shaking hands with the late Pope Francis. He explained that only heads of state and official diplomats were granted a personal audience with the Holy Father—a category Obi did not belong to.
The statement criticised the politicisation of a solemn religious occasion, stating that the Pope’s core message focused on peace, justice, and ethical leadership—principles that should not be trivialized through false narratives and propaganda.
Conclusion:
The claim that Peter Obi knelt before President Tinubu at the Vatican is false. PRNigeria‘s investigation confirms the image is digitally manipulated, and no such incident occurred. The misleading content appears designed to fuel political disinformation and should be disregarded.
Verdict: ❌ FALSE
The image claiming to show Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, kneeling before President Bola Tinubu at Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration is fabricated and inaccurate.
By PRNigeria
