Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has said his wife, Margaret Obi, has her own business and source of income amid public discussion over an alleged N250 million Hermès handbag.
Obi addressed the controversy during an interview in Washington, DC, while responding to questions about the luxury item reportedly carried by his wife.
He said Margaret has her own business and income, distinguishing her personal financial affairs from his political activities and public record.
The controversy began after images of Margaret Obi carrying a Hermès handbag circulated online, with social media users attaching a valuation of about N250 million to the item.
However, the reported price has itself become a subject of debate, with different estimates circulating online and some commentators disputing the N250 million figure.
Obi’s response therefore does not independently establish the value or provenance of the handbag; rather, it addresses questions about his wife’s financial independence and income.
The issue has attracted particular attention because Obi has built a major part of his political message around public-sector accountability, fiscal responsibility and prudent management of resources.
His critics have used the handbag controversy to question the consistency between his public message and his family’s lifestyle, while his supporters have argued that his wife’s personal income should not automatically be attributed to him.
The former Anambra governor’s response is the latest development in a controversy that has rapidly spread across Nigeria’s political and social-media space.