WASHINGTON, D.C. — Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has responded to the controversy surrounding a Hermès handbag reportedly worth N250 million allegedly carried by his wife, Margaret, insisting that she operates an independent business and manages her own finances.
Speaking during an interview in the United States, Obi addressed the backlash that followed viral reports questioning the luxury item in light of his long-standing public image as a frugal leader.
The former Anambra State governor maintained that his wife’s spending habits have nothing to do with his stewardship of public funds, noting that her lifestyle predates his time in office.
“My wife has her own business and her own money, so what is my business if she buys expensive items with her money? The bags and shoes my wife wears, I don’t even know how much they cost. In fact, she is actually a bit less sophisticated now,” Obi said.
According to him, Margaret was, if anything, more sophisticated before he became governor, and he sees no contradiction between her personal spending and his own record on public accountability, so long as she does not interfere with his handling of government resources.
Obi also used the opportunity to reiterate his approach to public office, stating that he never operated an Office of the First Lady during his tenure as governor. He further disclosed that he does not celebrate his own birthday, although he does not discourage others from doing so.
The comments come amid heightened scrutiny of Obi’s public persona ahead of the next election cycle, with critics and supporters alike weighing in on the optics of the luxury item against his reputation for austerity.
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