Moji Ojora Miranda: Power Is Not Served, You Have to Work Hard and Grab It

Hon. Moji Ojora Miranda has urged women who want to go into politics not to allow the fear of violence and intimidation to keep them away from seeking political power.

Speaking about her experience in politics, Miranda said anyone who wants power must be ready to step into the field and work for it rather than waiting for it to be handed to them. “Power is not served à la carte; you must be prepared to go out into the field and claim it,” she said.

Miranda shared her thoughts in Seun Oloketuyi’s forthcoming book, How to Win an Election in Nigeria, where she reflects on some of the realities of contesting elections in Nigeria.

She acknowledged that the threat of political violence remains one of the challenges that can discourage people from participating in politics, particularly women.

But she believes that anyone who chooses to contest must be prepared to show courage when faced with difficult situations.

According to her, being a successful politician is not just about having the ambition to contest. It also requires understanding the people, knowing the political environment and being able to work with different individuals.

For female politicians, she said, showing strength and confidence is particularly important.“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.

She also spoke about the pressure that comes with Election Day, stressing that candidates cannot try to do everything themselves once voting begins.

For her, much of the work should already have been done before Election Day. A candidate needs people who understand their responsibilities and can be trusted to handle things on the ground while the candidate monitors developments from a distance. Miranda’s reflections offer a glimpse into the realities of Nigerian politics and the mindset she believes aspiring politicians, especially women, need to develop if they want to compete.

Her message is straightforward: political power rarely comes looking for you. You have to be willing to step forward, do the work and fight for your place.Her experiences and reflections on navigating Nigerian politics are featured in Seun Oloketuyi’s How to Win an Election in Nigeria, scheduled for release on September 6.