In the realm of politics, just like in the business world, having a mentor or sponsor can make all the difference. Women who aspire to excel in politics often find themselves seeking the guidance and support of influential figures, affectionately known as political godfathers or godmothers. These mentors play a pivotal role in shaping the political journey of aspiring female leaders, helping them navigate the intricate landscape and amplifying their voices in the corridors of power.

Much like in the business arena, finding a suitable political mentor or sponsor is not an easy task. It requires a careful selection process, a search for individuals who share your values, ideals, and vision. The chosen mentor must be someone who not only has the capacity to guide and advise but also possesses the influence and connections to speak on your behalf, both within the political sphere and the broader community.

The beauty of political godfathers and godmothers lies in their ability to be impactful without necessarily holding active positions in politics. Their strength lies in their relationships, their ability to wield influence and have the ear of decision-makers. These mentors can serve as a bridge between the aspiring politician and the power structures, helping to bring attention to important issues, pushing for change, and opening doors that may have otherwise remained closed.

For women venturing into the political arena, the benefits of having a political godfather or godmother are numerous. Firstly, these mentors can provide valuable insights and wisdom, drawing from their own experiences and networks. They can offer guidance on campaign strategies, public speaking, and policy development, helping to refine the skills necessary for success in the political arena.

In today’s society, there is an increasing number of individuals who aspire to make a difference through active involvement in politics. However, many are plagued by the fear of failure and find themselves uncertain about where to begin. Nonetheless, as the old adage wisely asserts, “the journey of a thousand miles begins with only a step.” If you desire to embark on a political journey and make a lasting impact, all you need to do is take that first step.

Let us explore a few fundamental steps that can guide you towards the fulfilment of your political aspirations:

Embrace Resilience: It is crucial to let your drive for results surpass any potential challenges you may encounter along the way. Take a moment to jot down all the potential obstacles that may come your way. Whether it is a lack of financial resources, public scrutiny, or concerns about personal safety, resolve to overcome them. Remember, it is through unwavering determination that the path to success is paved.

Make a Definitive Decision: Define the realm in which you wish to serve and determine what active political involvement means to you. Will you run for elected office, engage within a political party, or seek an appointed position? Answering these questions will help clarify your goals and pave the way for your next steps.

Knowledge is Power: Engage in thorough research. Seek answers to all the questions that arise from your decision. What prerequisites are required to achieve your desired position? Where should you be focusing your efforts? When is the opportune time to make your move? Who are the key individuals you should connect with? Why should you reach out to them? By employing the five W’s and one H (What, Where, When, Who, Why, and How), you can gather valuable insights and develop a well-informed strategy.

Begin Today: Delaying action can hinder progress. Once you have determined your political path, waste no time in taking the necessary steps towards your goal. Suppose your aim is to run for office in the upcoming years. In that case, start building connections, understanding your constituency, and creating a budget for your future campaign. Remember, the key is to commence your journey now.

A phrase, opinion or expression that has been used to the point of losing its allure is described as a cliché; though hackneyed some of these expressions stay true. An example of such is the saying that “If you want to go fast, go alone; but if you want to go far, go with people.” This simple expression packs a punch as it extends beyond personal pursuits and achievements to other facets of life like politics. A solo-player’s political trajectory will be snail paced at best. The power of a supportive community, a network of like-minded self-starters and collaborators is mandatory for anyone to make a difference in the political arena.

A great way to be on track would be joining a community like WIMPOL mentoring group – a community of brilliant minds driven by a mutual passion for politics. Becoming a member of this body gives you access to an array of invaluable benefits that can catapult your political journey to new heights.

One of the perks of being part of a community of political enthusiasts is that it grants you access to an information goldmine. In politics, information is power and being surrounded by equally driven and politically savvy individuals is definitely a game-changer. By engaging in debates, discussions and thought provoking exchanges will ultimately enhance your political knowledge base and acumen.

If we do a roll call for successful and astute designers, lawyers, beauticians, doctors, bakers, investment bankers, teachers, writers, architects, photographers, accountants, personal shoppers, life/sports coaches and even preachers; we would find a number of women topping the list and rightfully so! Women are at the fore and claiming their seats at the table except when it comes to politics – participation of women in this sector is still abysmal. We are not taking charge of the very laws that govern our lives and businesses.

Picture a world where beyond our professional achievements, women are active contributors to decisions that impact our daily lives. Cost of fuel, FX rates, electricity distribution and the likes would no longer be information we read about but become information we churn out as authority figures. These matters affect us, and we should have a say. We have the intellect (our achievements as professionals speak for us!), we have the network, we have the financial muscle, we have the influence and above all, we have the numbers – it is time to shake things up and exert the power that we hold!

Money and connection are great tools, but power is an even greater tool – the latter is accessible through politics. Politics, the art of decision-making, power dynamics, and resource distribution among individuals. The beautiful thing about politics is this – EVERYONE including YOU and I can be politicians! Anyone who has the power to influence government, anyone active in party politics, or anyone seeking an elected office is a politician.

Where do we fit in you ask? There are three levels and three arms of government namely the legislative, executive, and judicial – this means there is ample room for us to fit ourselves in and make a difference.

Nigeria is the largest economy in the sub-Saharan Africa and earned its name ‘Giant of Africa’ decades ago. However, in recent times, we are only that in name and do not have the wherewithal to brandish that name boldly. My country Nigeria is blessed with too many to mention both in natural resources and human capital but we seem to lack leaders who are knowledgeable and patriotic.

With 2023 presidential election in view and under the leadership of Mrs Tinu Phillips the able chairman of our party (UPP).

I Folasade Adunni Coker wish to contest in the upcoming election as the flag bearer of our party. My tripod manifesto is as follows:

1. Power generation and utilization for rapid economic development.(SDG’s No. 7,12&13)
   • Affordable and clean energy
   • Increase supply from 4,000 mega watts to at least 12,572 mega watts or more
   • Invest in renewable energy. (Green and blue energy)
   • Decentralize power generation and supply to have players from both the private sector and State
   • Restructure NNPC and ensure their salaries are tied to actual production and refining of crude oil and supply of same across the country through pipelines and trains to reduce cost to end users, road accidents and illegal refineries.
   • Ensure as a matter of urgent priority that within Q1 of my term, we stop import of fuel and begin production of same. Also before end of Q4, we commence production and distribution of diesel and gas using pipelines and trains.
   • Ministries and government Agencies (MDA’s) charged with duty of ensuring hitch free continuous service delivery will be held accountable and sanctioned where they fail to meet them
   • Reduce mortality rate and unnecessary deaths in hospitals due to power failure.

My name is Agatha Henry-Ajala and I am the Presidential candidate for Nigerian Unified Party. My desire to run for the post of the president of this great country Nigeria is borne out of my desire to see a new Nigeria where the future of all citizens is secured. 

I remember the Nigeria which offered free education to students and where young graduates were able to get jobs upon graduation from the University. The Nigeria where everyone was each other’s keeper and there was safety. People could do road trips because the roads were good and there was no fear of attacks. The Nigeria where public schools were dignified, and it was considered a privilege to attend a public school or Unity school. The new generation of Nigerians only hear of a time when Nigeria was the giant of Africa. I, Agatha and the NUP if given your vote will make Nigeria great again!

The NUP wants every Nigerian to have a dream that in this great nation, economic growth, affordable and reliable health care facilities, all-gender inclusiveness, proper guidance and protection of youth, securing constitutional freedoms, and ensuring election integrity is possible. 

As your President, and with the support of the good people of Nigeria, I shall work towards achieving the following:

1. Security: Nigeria of today is insecure, for there to be free trade which results in prosperity, there must be security. Security for all citizens, including the farmers and labourers on the field, security for children studying in their classes. Ensuring security of lives and property is one of the focal points of my administration. Where there is security, there will be prosperity for every Nigerian citizen.
2. Education: there cannot be growth without education and the only way to achieve social mobility is through education. I shall ensure that there is free and quality education for every Nigerian child from early childhood to Junior Secondary Education. While the cost of this may be high, but the country will in the long-term benefit from this investment. Indeed, Benjamin Franklin once said that an investment in knowledge pays the best interest. Vocational skills are becoming extinct in Nigeria, to correct this, attention will be paid to technical colleges, agricultural colleges, and soft skill acquisition centres. Not everyone will become lawyers and doctors and these skills are just as important to have. Provisions will be made for children with special needs and people living with different forms of disabilities. This will be through not only by the creation of special needs centres but ensuring that such centres are well equipped with specially trained teachers, and instructional materials to foster learning for children with special needs. 
3. Healthcare: Good healthcare should be available to all irrespective of their social standing. Functional, well equipped primary health centres will be located in all the 774 local government authorities and six area councils in the country. The state governors shall be tasked to develop plans to revamp and equip the teaching hospitals and general hospitals in their respective states. Special focus shall be made on research and development, and public and private collaborations will be entered with private health care centres to provide specialised services at reduced rates.
4. Power: Constant electricity is required for businesses to thrive. Businesses and manufacturers will only flourish where there is consistent power supply which aids production. High production equals high returns for business owners. Nigeria has consistently had challenges in the power sector and has not experienced much growth in the sector. Despite the presence of oil, gas, water and solar resources, we are only able to generate 4,000MW power but with a potential to generate as much as 12,522 MW of electric power from existing plants. We need to get power right. If voted to power, my administration will invest in solar plants and new grid infrastructure. Investment into the power sector will also be encouraged.
5. Affordable housing: Having a house is considered one of the greatest achievements that a person could have as it provides a sense of accomplishment and pride. My administration will ensure that there is affordable housing for both the low-income earners and middle-class citizens. This will be achieved through collaboration with real estate companies and provision of low interest long-term mortgages. The National Housing Fund shall also be strategized and made more accessible. When there is affordable housing, incidences of teenage pregnancy will reduce, drug use among children will be curtailed, and there will be a more productive work force that does not have to worry about housing challenges.
6. Leadership: One of the problems that we have in this country is a dearth of leaders, which is why the same people keep occupying different positions repeatedly. I will create a leadership platform where identified youths will be groomed by thought leaders from a young age, where mentoring will be provided for the youths to enable them grown into leaders. Through this process, there will be no lacuna of the right people to occupy leadership positions in the country. This process will result in the sustainable emergence of credible Nigerian leaders who will lead via transparent democratic processes, provide excellent leadership, good governance, transparency, accountability, social justice and equity.
7. Grassroots Mobilization: Attention will be paid to the communities in the hinterland. Local government councils will be revamped to pay attention to the communities in their constituencies. Conduct baseline studies to identify specific needs for each community and provide them. Where none is existing, establish community structures (e.g. Ward Health Committees) that will work with health facilities and schools. This system helps to keep a functional Primary Health/school facilities as well as fosters transparency and accountability. Skill acquisition programs will also be developed where required.
8. Gender-inclusive party: Yes, I am a woman running for presidency but please note that this administration and the NUP is not only for women. It is an all-gender inclusive party where everyone irrespective of their age, religious inclination, gender will be treated with fairness and equity.
9. Research and Development: Covid-19 has taught us that there must be continuous research and development (R&D) in all areas of the economy including science, health, agriculture. It is only through R&D that there can be technological advancement in the economy. R&D will require investment in research, science and technology for the exploitation of natural resources such as industrial metals and precious metals thereby reducing the over-dependence on oil to the non-oil export sector. This, my administration will focus on through the Ministry of Science of Technology.