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 her husband’s public image of prudence and frugality.

The handbag, identified in reports as a Hermès Kelly, is alleged to be worth more than ₦250 million, prompting critics to question whether such an expensive accessory is consistent with Obi’s reputation for advocating prudent spending and reduced cost of governance.

Lere Olayinka, an aide to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, was among those who criticised the former governor over the controversy.

In a post on X on Monday, Olayinka said the issue was not whether Margaret Obi had the right to own an expensive handbag, but what the alleged purchase represented in relation to her husband’s political 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,” Olayinka wrote.

“The issue is, her husband should stop lying and presenting himself as a PRUDENT person.”

Olayinka also questioned the contrast between the reported value of the handbag and Obi’s reported appeal 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.

“That’s a FRAUD!”

He acknowledged that the handbag could have been purchased with private funds but argued that its reported value could still raise questions about the image Obi projects publicly.

“For those of you who will say, it is her money or her husband’s money. Yes, you are right,” Olayinka said.

“But if as a private citizen, 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.”

Olayinka further argued that prudence should extend beyond Obi’s personal spending habits 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,” he said.

“Rather, it is about everything concerning you showing that evidence that you are indeed prudent.”

He also alleged that Obi and members of his family had, at different times, used different modes of transportation, citing an instance where Obi allegedly travelled on a commercial flight while his wife and children travelled by private jet.

Media personality Daddy Freeze, however, offered a more measured assessment of the controversy.

Freeze said he had no problem with Margaret Obi carrying a luxury handbag, noting that Obi was already wealthy before entering public office.

“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.

According to Freeze, the bigger issue was whether the lifestyle associated with Obi and his family was consistent with the image of frugality he has cultivated.

“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.

While describing Obi as honest and humble, Freeze questioned whether the people around him projected the same level of prudence.

“He is honest and humble, but are people around him as prudent as he is?” he asked.

The controversy comes as Obi remains one of the prominent political figures positioning himself ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

His reputation for frugality, accountability and opposition to excessive government spending has become a major part of his political identity.

While critics say the reported luxury handbag raises questions about the consistency of that image, Obi’s supporters argue that his wife’s personal possessions do not, by themselves, constitute evidence that public funds were used to acquire them.