Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has drawn a line between his management of public funds and the personal spending of his wife, Margaret, following criticism over her use of an expensive luxury handbag.

Obi said his wife operates her own business and has independent financial resources, arguing that her decision to purchase high-end fashion items should not be interpreted as evidence of his personal financial conduct.

He made the clarification during a live YouTube interview conducted by Adeola Fayehun and Rudolf Okonkwo while he was in Washington, DC, as reported by the platform that hosted the interview.

The controversy was triggered by a video circulating online in which Margaret was seen carrying a handbag identified by social media users as a Hermès Kelly 35 in Malachite, with online estimates putting its retail value in the hundreds of millions of naira.

The development attracted criticism from some Nigerians who questioned whether the luxury item was consistent with the image of financial prudence and modest living that Obi has projected over the years.

But Obi dismissed the attempt to connect his wife’s fashion choices with his stewardship of public resources, stressing that he does not monitor the prices of the bags and shoes she uses.

“My wife has her own business and her own money, so what is my business if she buys expensive items with her money?” Obi said, adding that his wife was even more fashion-conscious before he became governor.

He also recalled that he did not establish an Office of the First Lady during his tenure as governor and said he personally does not celebrate his birthday, although he does not prevent others from celebrating him. Obi maintained that his position is that personal choices should not interfere with the management of public resources.