A luxury handbag reportedly carried by Margaret Obi, wife of former Anambra State governor and 2027 presidential hopeful, Peter Obi, has sparked debate on social media over the politician’s reputation for frugality.
The bag, identified in reports as a Hermès Kelly, is alleged to be worth more than N250 million.
The reported value has drawn criticism from some commentators, who questioned whether the alleged luxury purchase is consistent with Obi’s repeated advocacy for prudence and reduced cost of governance.
Lere Olayinka, an aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, was among those who criticised the former governor.
In a post on X, Olayinka said the issue was not whether Margaret Obi had the right to own an expensive handbag, but whether the alleged lifestyle was compatible with her husband’s public image.
“The wife of ‘Saint’ Peter Obi can use a N1bn nylon bag, she can wear a N2bn bathroom slippers and N5bn earrings, that’s not the issue,” he wrote.
“The issue is, her husband should stop lying and presenting himself as a PRUDENT person.”
Olayinka also questioned the alleged cost of the handbag against Obi’s reported appeals for financial contributions towards his political campaign.
“You want the people to donate N1,000 to fund your campaign, but your wife is using one bag that will take contribution of N1,000 by 250,000 Nigerians to buy?” he asked.
He further argued that prudence should extend beyond Obi’s personal possessions to the lifestyle of those around him.
“Being prudent is not only about claiming that you have ONE SHOE and ONE WRIST WATCH while your wife lives extravagant lifestyle,” Olayinka said.
He also alleged that Obi had, on some occasions, travelled on commercial flights while his wife and children allegedly used a private jet.
However, media personality Daddy Freeze offered a different perspective, saying he had no problem with Margaret Obi using a luxury handbag.
“I have no problem with Peter Obi’s wife carrying a luxury bag; her husband is a billionaire. He was before he came into government,” Freeze said.
Freeze, however, said the concern was whether the lifestyle surrounding Obi matched the image of modesty he had projected.
“The only problem I have with him is he says he only has one shoe and one watch, but when you put yourself in a certain light, and things around you don’t seem to add to that light, there is a problem,” he said.
The controversy comes as Obi remains a prominent political figure ahead of the 2027 presidential election. His advocacy for prudent management of public resources and reduced government expenditure has been central to his political image.
While critics say the reported handbag value raises questions about the consistency of that image, supporters argue that his wife’s personal possessions do not, by themselves, establish that public funds were used to acquire them.
The reported value of the handbag could not be independently verified, and the controversy remains largely driven by claims and reactions on social media.
