Former First Lady of Anambra State, Margaret Obi, recently came under public scrutiny after she was spotted carrying a Hermès Kelly bag reportedly worth £131,938.81, equivalent to about ₦235.7 million.
Reacting to the controversy, her husband and former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, said he does not concern himself with what his wife wears or buys with her own money, provided public funds are not used to finance her lifestyle.
Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2027 general election, said: “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 added: “And if she earns money and wants to buy an expensive watch, that’s her own. It’s not my business. We’re managing public money. 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.”
“That’s what I say to people. As long as what you do suits you and doesn’t conflict with my interest, and it’s not paid for with public money, you can do it.”
Speaking further, Obi said he does not celebrate birthdays but does not prevent others from celebrating theirs.
He said: “I don’t celebrate birthdays. I’m not into celebration, but I don’t stop anybody from celebrating. As long as it suits them, it doesn’t conflict with my interests, and I’m not paying the bill, I will even attend the party.”
