Former Anambra State Governor and 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has defended his wife, Margaret Obi, following public criticism over her reported £131,938.81 (about ₦235.7 million) Hermès Kelly handbag.
Margaret, a former First Lady of Anambra State, recently came under scrutiny after she was spotted with the luxury bag, sparking debate over the lifestyle of political figures and their families.
Reacting to the controversy, Peter Obi said he does not concern himself with what his wife chooses to wear or purchase, provided her expenses are not funded with public money.
“I don’t know how my wife dresses or the bag or shoes she wears. I can even say now she’s actually a bit less sophisticated. She used to be far more sophisticated before I became governor,” he said.
Obi said that if his wife earns her own money and chooses to spend it on luxury items, he considers that her personal decision.
“And if she earns money and wants to buy an expensive watch, that’s her own. It’s not my business,” he said.
The former governor stressed that his concern is whether public resources are being used to finance the lifestyle of those in public office.
“As long as the life she lives does not in any way—bills are not paid from public money—and she’s happy with it, it doesn’t conflict with my interest,” he added.
Obi also said he applies the same principle to celebrations, revealing that he personally does not celebrate birthdays but would attend another person’s celebration if he was not responsible for the bill.
“I don’t celebrate birthdays. I’m not into celebration, but I don’t stop anybody from celebrating,” he said.
He added that he would even attend the party “as long as it suits them, it doesn’t conflict with my interests, and I’m not paying the bill.”
I wonder why people are interested in chasing shadows.