Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has responded to the controversy surrounding an alleged ₦250 million Hermès handbag reportedly carried by his wife, Margaret.
The former Anambra State governor addressed the issue during an interview in Washington, DC, explaining that his wife runs her own business and has independent income.
Obi said he had no objection to how his wife spends her personal money, provided her financial activities do not interfere with his handling of public funds.
“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 his wife was actually more sophisticated in her lifestyle before he became governor.
According to Obi, he does not even know the prices of the bags and shoes his wife wears.
The controversy followed reports about the alleged luxury handbag, which triggered debate over Obi’s public image of prudence and his political messaging on responsible management of public resources.
Obi also recalled that he did not establish an office of the First Lady during his tenure as Anambra State governor.
He maintained that while he personally does not celebrate his birthday, he does not prevent others from celebrating him.
The development has generated fresh public discussion about the distinction between a politician’s personal finances and the management of public funds.
