Hon. Moji Ojora Meranda has urged women aspiring to political office not to allow fear of violence, intimidation or other challenges to discourage them from seeking political power.
Meranda, reflecting on her experience in Nigerian politics, made the remarks in Seun Oloketuyi’s new book, How to Win an Election in Nigeria, where she shares insights into the realities of contesting elections in the country.
“Power is not served à la carte; you must be prepared to go out into the field and claim it,” she said.
She acknowledged that political violence remains a major challenge capable of discouraging participation, particularly among women. However, Meranda said aspiring politicians must develop the courage, resilience and determination required to navigate difficult political situations.
According to her, succeeding in politics goes beyond the ambition to contest an election. It requires an understanding of the electorate, knowledge of the political environment and the ability to work effectively with people from different backgrounds.
She stressed that female politicians, in particular, must demonstrate confidence and resilience if they are to command the respect and loyalty of their supporters.
“You must show your followers and supporters that you are neither timid nor fragile, but a resilient leader capable of guiding them through any political condition,” Miranda said.
The former political contestant also highlighted the importance of preparation ahead of Election Day, advising candidates against attempting to personally manage every aspect of the electoral process once voting begins.
She said much of the groundwork should be completed before Election Day, with trusted and competent members of a campaign team assigned specific responsibilities on the ground while the candidate monitors developments and provides overall direction.
Meranda further advised aspiring politicians to actively pursue political influence rather than wait for opportunities to be handed to them.
Her reflections offer an insight into the challenges of Nigerian politics and the mindset she believes aspiring politicians, particularly women, must develop to compete effectively.
Her central message is that political power is rarely handed to those who simply wait for it. Rather, aspiring leaders must be willing to step forward, understand the political terrain, build strong networks and work persistently to earn their place.
Meranda’s experiences and perspectives are featured in Seun Oloketuyi’s How to Win an Election in Nigeria, a new book examining the practical realities, strategies and challenges of winning elections in Nigeria. The book is scheduled for release on September 6.
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Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
