Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi has come under criticism over a luxury handbag reportedly carried by his wife, Margaret Obi.
A video circulating online showed Margaret with what social media users identified as a Hermès Kelly 35 in Malachite. Some users claimed the bag is listed on the Hermès website for £131,938.81, which they estimated at about ₦237 million.
The reported price has divided opinions. While some Nigerians criticised Margaret for carrying such an expensive bag, others said she has the right to buy what she can afford.
Lere Olayinka, media aide to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, joined the debate on . He accused Peter Obi of portraying himself as a prudent man while his family is surrounded by luxury.
He wrote, “The issue is, her husband should stop lying and presenting himself as a prudent person. You want the people to donate N1,000 to fund your campaign, but your wife is using one bag that will take the contribution of N1,000 by 250,000 Nigerians to buy? That’s a fraud.
“For those of you who will say, it is her money or her husband’s money. Yes, you are right. But if as a private citizen, the wife of a supposed prudent man can buy a single bag worth over N250m, you can do a guess as to the cost of bags she will buy with public funds.”
Media personality Daddy Freeze said he had no issue with the bag but questioned Obi’s claims of owning only one pair of shoes and one wristwatch.
He said,“I have no problem with Peter Obi’s wife carrying a luxury bag; her husband is a billionaire. He was rich before he came into government.
“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.”
Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju also said there was nothing wrong with the bag but accused the family of misleading Nigerians about their lifestyle.
He said, “There’s really nothing wrong in the woman carrying this bag but they have deceived so many people about not giving shishi that many Nigerians are disgusted by their lifestyle.
“The husband usually flies a private jet and at other times, he will go to the end of Air peace economy class to act in the movie. Be yourself Mr. Obi and stop the drama and acting.”
