by Adaora Nwangwu
Fashion is not a term that is usually associated with politics. In Nigeria, where most political leaders are conservative older men, fashion may not intrigue them. As a president, looking exceptional is expected as appearances naturally influence people’s perceptions of others. While looks may not be a priority for our Nigerian presidents, their wives have endeavoured to make fashion statements. Whether standing next to their husband as he addresses the citizens or stepping out with him to receive influential foreign visitors in the country, these women let their outfits do the talking. In celebration of Women’s History Month, we look back at all the Nigerian First Ladies of the 4th republic and rank the most stylish women.
5. Turai Yar’Adua
Year: 2007 – 2010
When it comes to fashion, Turai Yar’Adua kept it simple — Ankara, a head wrap, and a scarf. During her short tenure as First Lady to the late former President, Umaru Yar’Adua, she was often dressed in a bright floral Ankara ensemble. And she always had a neutral-coloured scarf swathed around her shoulders or draping from her head to her arms. Cosmetics may not have been the former First Lady’s strong suit, but she made up for it with her lovely sartorial choices.
4. Dame Patience Jonathan
Year: 2010 – 2015
Though she is well-known for her funny speeches rather than her fashion style, Patience Jonathan served looks while in office. On many occasions, she donned Ankara pieces with motifs in bold hues, mid-sized gele, and matching flashy jewellery. Her cheerful aura, combined with her overdecorated outfits, made former Goodluck Jonathan’s wife pleasing to watch.
3. Aisha Buhari
Year: 2015 to 2023
President Muhammadu Buhari’s wife, Aisha, displays a comfortable and traditional fashion style. Like another woman on this list, she sports an Ankara ensemble with a scarf around her shoulders. But what makes Aisha different is she alternates between a hijab, scarf, or a small gele. And she wears a long oversized Ankara dress with motifs. To finish up her look, she wears bold jewellery and fantastic makeup.
2. Margaret Obi
Year: 2023
Margaret Obi knows how to turn heads and switch up her look when need be — casual or formal. Her style is a mixture of contemporary, trendy, and traditional. Peter Obi’s wife can effortlessly pull off an Ankara ensemble or formal dress as she would when pairing a blazer or shirt and denim trousers with heels or sneakers. Away from her outfits, Margaret also knows how to keep it classy in her bob hairdo and stunning makeup. She and her husband may have been robbed of the Presidential role by the Nigerian electoral body, INEC, but they remain a people’s favourite.
1. Stella Obasanjo
Year: 1999 – 2005
During her tenure, the late wife of former President Olusegun Obasanjo showed Nigerians how to look effortlessly fashionable. Like all the women mentioned, she was usually spotted wearing traditional pieces. From sporting a coordinated Ankara top and wrapper clothing, with gele and scarf hung across her shoulders, to wearing a complementing Ankara two-piece, Stella was synonymous with poise and sophistication. Her short afro, expensive jewellery, and red lipstick also became her signature look.