Peter Obi Defends Wife's Spending: "My Wife Has Her Own Money"

Peter Obi Defends Wife's Spending: "My Wife Has Her Own Money"

The NDC presidential candidate addressed the controversy during an interview in Washington, DC, after social media users identified a handbag reportedly carried by his wife as a Hermès Kelly 35 in Malachite.

According to netizens, the bag is listed at approximately £131,938.81, which they estimated at roughly N237 million. The reported price sparked heated debate, with critics questioning the contrast between the luxury item and Obi's long-standing public image of frugality and prudent spending.

Obi made it clear that he does not concern himself with what his wife buys because she has her own business and her own income. "My wife has her own business and her own money, so what is my business if she buys expensive items with her money?" he said.

He added that he does not even know the cost of the bags and shoes she wears, and that she has actually become less extravagant since he entered public office.

The former Anambra governor stressed the distinction between his personal financial choices and those of his wife. "I'm managing public money, and as long as she lives her own life without interfering with my management of public funds, good luck to her," he said. His defense places the focus on the principle that her personal spending should not be linked to his stewardship of public resources.

The controversy has drawn reactions from across the political spectrum. Lere Olayinka, media aide to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, criticised the optics, challenging Nigerians to imagine what Margaret might purchase with public funds if she could afford such a luxury bag as a private citizen.

Media personality Daddy Freeze also weighed in on the debate, which has dominated social media conversations since the video circulated.

Obi's comments come as he remains a prominent figure ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with reducing the cost of governance among the themes associated with his public messaging.

The debate over his wife's handbag has forced his campaign to address questions about personal wealth and public perception, even as he insists that his wife's financial independence is a private matter.