Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has responded to the controversy surrounding an expensive handbag reportedly carried by his wife, Margaret.
The handbag, alleged to be a Hermès bag worth about N250 million, has sparked debate over Obi’s public image of financial prudence.
Obi addressed the issue during an interview in Washington, DC, in the United States.
Obi Says Wife Has Her Own Business
The former Anambra State governor said his wife runs her own business and has personal income.
According to Obi, he does not determine how his wife spends money that belongs to her.
“My wife has her own business and her own money, so what is my business if she buys expensive items with her money?” Obi said.
He added that he does not know the prices of the bags and shoes his wife wears.
‘I Don’t Know How Much They Cost’
Obi said his wife is free to make personal purchases with her own money as long as her activities do not interfere with his management of public resources.
He maintained that there is a distinction between his personal approach to public funds and his wife’s private spending.
“The bags and shoes my wife wears, I don’t even know how much they cost,” he said.
Obi also made a light-hearted comment about his wife’s fashion preferences.
“In fact, she is actually a bit less sophisticated now,” he added.
Obi Recalls His Approach as Governor
The 2027 presidential hopeful also spoke about his approach to official privileges while serving as governor of Anambra State.
He said he never established an office of the First Lady during his tenure.
Obi also noted that although he does not personally celebrate his birthday, he does not prevent other people from celebrating him.
Debate Over Political Image
The controversy has renewed discussion about Obi’s long-standing public image as a politician associated with financial prudence.
His response suggests that he does not consider his wife’s personal purchases to be a reflection of how he manages public resources.
The alleged price and circumstances surrounding the handbag, however, remain central to the public debate.
