Overcoming the Extravagant Woman Phenomenon: The Evolving Political Role of Nigerian First Ladies and the Influence of the African Union, 1960-1998 

In the months following Nigeria's independence in 1960, "First Lady" began emerging in political nomenclature to describe Nigerian female figureheads, often wives of heads of state. However, public dialogue in the media, social commentary, and performances concerning Nigerian First Ladies reveals that the role has not yet crystallized in Nigerian politics. The indeterminate role of the First Lady in Nigeria has been a continuing feature of public life in conversations about consumption, the role of women, and wealth distribution in Nigeria. This paper examines this stereotype by exploring the political endeavors of Maryam Babangida (August 27, 1985-August 26, 1993) and Maryam Abacha (November 17, 1993-June 8, 1998). Reconciling optimistic and unfavorable depictions of African First Ladies and critically examining their tangible programs, this paper studies public perceptions of extravagance and corruption analogized with Nigerian First Ladies and the evolving expectations of the First Lady role in Nigeria. This paper aims to demonstrate how African First Ladies have refuted public scrutiny through advocacy work, women and youth empowerment, and engagement in community-level activities. Continent-wide development of First Ladies has contributed to collaboration and coalition building among powerful African women through Pan-African leadership organizations, such as the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) and the Organization of African Unity (OAU), now the African Union (AU).