Peter Obi Defends Wife’s Luxury Hermès Bag, Says Her Spending Is Her Business
Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi has responded to criticism over his wife Margaret Obi’s appearance with a luxury Hermès handbag, saying her personal spending should not be used to question his record on public accountability.
The controversy followed a photograph of Margaret Obi carrying what was identified as a Hermès Kelly 35 Malachite handbag.
According to the information provided about the bag, it is listed on the Hermès website at £131,938.81, which would amount to roughly ₦237 million based on the exchange rate referenced in the report.
The sighting sparked reactions from some Nigerians, including media aide to former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, Lere Olayinka, as well as media personality Daddy Freeze and other social media users who questioned the apparent cost of the handbag in relation to Obi’s public image and statements about living modestly.
Responding to the criticism during an interview with Adeola Fayehun, Obi said his wife’s personal finances and lifestyle should be separated from his management of public resources.
“When I was governor, whatever she had didn’t affect me because, one, I don’t have office of First Lady,” Obi said.
He explained that his wife has her own money and argued that she should be able to decide how to spend it, provided the money does not come from public funds.
“And she has her own money. So if she has her own money and wants to buy an expensive watch, that’s her own. I’m not going to do that. It’s not my business,” he said.
Obi further maintained that his concern is ensuring that public funds are not used to finance his wife’s lifestyle.
“I’m managing public money as long as the life she lives does not in any way the bills are not paid for public money,” he said.
He also said that his personal preferences should not determine how other people choose to live, noting that while he does not personally celebrate birthdays, he would still attend another person’s celebration if invited.
“I don’t celebrate birthdays, for example. I’m not into celebration. But I can’t stop other people from celebrating,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor maintained that his wife’s lifestyle would not conflict with his interests as long as it is funded with her own money and does not involve public resources.
The comments come amid continued public scrutiny of Obi’s personal lifestyle and his political messaging around reducing the cost of governance and ensuring accountability in the management of public funds.
