The renowned actress turned politician, Tonto Dikeh, has firmly expressed her unwavering determination to continue participating in elections until she achieves the ultimate victory she seeks.
In the 2023 Rivers State elections, Tonto Dikeh courageously contested as the deputy governorship candidate for the African Democratic Congress. However, she acknowledged the uncertain nature of politics and the challenges it presents, particularly in her aspiration to govern the oil-rich state in the future.
During an interview at the GOTNI national leadership conference in Abuja, organized by the National Leadership Centre under the theme of “Leadership for Sustainability," Tonto Dikeh openly shared her thoughts and aspirations.
In her own words, she stated, “One of the things I learnt (in contesting the election) is resilience and never giving up. I know after four years, they will forget about me and that, ‘she is not going to come back.’ But I am going to come back. Every four years, I am going to come back. I will come back and I will be in their faces. I will be coming back to the contest.
“My chances (of becoming governor) are high and slim because politics is dirty. It’s not going to be free and fair. (Nyesom) Wike’s candidate didn’t win free and fair. So I don’t expect politics to be free and fair, but I expect that, as someone said, having a lion’s heart requires taking the lion’s share.
“I won’t care what they think about my position, I will keep having the lion’s share, whether it is my personal life or politics, I am here to stay and they have no choice but to accept it.”
Tonto Dikeh firmly believes that the Nigerian youths are in dire need of strong leadership, particularly during this crucial time when they are collectively striving for a better Nigeria and a more prosperous life.