Aisha wonder: First lady, first critic and first campaigner for Buhari

Political scientists may have a novel case study in the politics of Mrs Aisha Buhari, wife of President Muhammadu Buhari, whose women campaign team launched into action on Thursday.
Aisha wowed many observers with a dramatic style when she exhibited eight-finger tattoo that has been interpreted to mean four plus four years for her husband’s presidency.
But that style has a more fundamental precedence in the fact that she is perhaps the first lady who has vehemently criticised her husband when and where it mattered most.
At least on two major occasions, she situated Buhari’s presidency as being trapped in the hands of some cabals who, based on what she reiterated about a month ago, are still very much alive – at least in two unnamed men-gods in the Aso Villa.
Different people have given her assertions different interpretations, including suggesting that Buhari is not really in power, with the cabal seen as being in charge.
While Buhari too has openly dismissed, if not slammed, her on each occasion she charged, including describing her as being ‘in the other room’ and ‘that is/not her business’ reference, it is instructive that the same Aisha has emerged powerfully as the official woman chief campaigner for the All Progressives Congress’ move to retain the presidency through the coming election.
Does this then establish Aisha Buhari as the first lady, first critic and the first campaigner? Indeed, analysts will, for some time, have a lot to ponder and argue about in her brand of politics.
At the launch on Thursday, Buhari urged the team to embark on a door-to-door campaign, saying, “In carrying out this assignment, I expect from members of this team the same loyalty and support, which you exhibited in 2015. Let us remind Nigerians about our plans, our good work and achievements.”
On her part, Aisha said the primary aim of the team was to support the main campaign council headed by her husband.
“It will operate as a sister body with necessary legwork and outreach and will mobilise women and youths across the country,” she said.