Nigeria’s elections are in two weeks .. and the fashion contest is serious! Votrng is difficult, sometimes lawless , “” Many officials have been attacked, many of voting materials have been diverted in many of these places you are talking about so it cannot be our fault,” said Attahiru Jega, Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission, or INEC.
But even ore challenging is presidential campaign fashion. As Elizabeth Archibong wrote last month in the Nigerian news:
…..While the president’s peculiar dress code has drawn both criticism and admiration, the man behind his wardrobe describes him as a marketer of his culture through his customary use of the native Ijaw attire.
Looking at the dress code of past Nigerian leaders, it could be seen that Mr Jonathan is not the first to dress consistently in the traditional attire of his ethnic group. Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo was always in ‘agbada’ and the traditional Yoruba cap. Shehu Shagari and the late Umar Musa Yar’Adua were always in ‘babbanriga’ and cap, a common dress in northern Nigeria. Fashion analysts say that this trend may be indicative of the quest for acceptance and a statement of their identity as Nigerians and solidarity with their own personal ethnic groups.
Prince Oyefusi, Chief Executive of NobelAfrik believes that the leaders are trying to identify with their ethnic groups.
The president’s official clothier, Ebi Spiff, adds said: “That is his official uniform; portraying his culture anyone on that level should not wear things like the British attire.” Mr Spiff, in a telephone conversation with NEXT, said, dark colours appeal to the president and explained he selects what the country’s number one citizen wears. “To choose his clothes, I have to consider his mood and the occasion. He likes dark colours and they bring out his shade.” Explaining the difference between the types of Niger Delta attires used by the President, Mr Spiff said there are two kinds.
“The one with the three buttons is called Woko (jumper) while the other is called Etibo (which is casual), but the one the president wears more often is the Woko,” he said.
As the country awaits the different looks of the president during his nationwide tour, he will certainly give up his trademark for most of the days of the tour. Who knows, we may even see him in a three piece suit.