In upcoming 2023 general elections, the renowned actress, Tonto Dikeh, who is the running mate to Rivers State gubernatorial candidate. Tonte Ibraye of the ADC, has elucidated the rationale behind her alignment with the dominant APC party. This is not the maiden occasion on which the actress has publicly associated herself with the APC.
On the 16th of March, she made a decisive withdrawal from her candidacy merely 48 hours before the elections and declared her allegiance to the APC’s gubernatorial candidate, Tonye Cole, who eventually succumbed to PDP’s Siminialayi Fubara.
The 38-year-old actress, officially presented to the public by the APC’s national women leader, Mary Alile, and the party’s deputy national publicity secretary, Duro Meseko, at the national secretariat in Abuja, affirms that her choice is in the best interests of the Nigerian populace. Nevertheless, her switch has invoked mixed sentiments.
While a fraction of Nigerians across various platforms extol the newest member of the ruling party. Others exhibit indifference towards her affiliation with the APC. On her Instagram page, she articulated that, when confronted with the irrefutable facts, objectives, and aspirations of the resurgent national hope agenda, she became thoroughly convinced that she was making the judicious decision.
She expounded, “I have resolved to set aside my emotional inclinations and persist in laboring for the greater welfare of Nigerian youth, women, and the nation, as I have consistently pursued through the Committee of Youth on Mobilization and Sensitization (CYMS) platform, in collaboration with the Federal Government.”
She further posited, “Facts, when buttressed by substantiating evidence. Often culminate in the cessation of contentious debates and inculcate profound changes in the pursuit of the common good. Over the years, I have discerned that transformative leadership emanates from forward-thinking visionaries who offer altruistic service to humanity. I am wholeheartedly devoted to my country’s advancement, Nigeria, and the collective well-being of the nation’s youth.”
Additionally, she pledged her unwavering commitment to the realization of unfulfilled aspirations of the Nigerian populace for the sake of future generations, stating, “This victory is not mine alone; it symbolizes the triumph of our collective dreams, aspirations, and the ongoing endeavors to leave a legacy that will inspire our yet unborn progeny. My resolve is unwavering for the people of Nigeria, and in due course. The affirmative outcomes of my decision will resonate with all.”
Concluding her declaration, Tonto remarked, “As a patriotic Nigerian, a progressive advocate for youth, and a champion of the girl-child. I reiterate my faith in the prosperity of Nigeria under the REKINDLED PROMISES OF President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
Tonto Dikeh has maintained a consistent aspiration towards political engagement. In a 2020 interview with Dele Momodu, the publisher of Ovation Magazine. She announced her intentions to venture into politics by keeping a watchful eye on the prospects for a Senate run. A year later, she introduced her political suitor. Prince Kpokpogri, whose relationship with her was brief, spanning no more than six months.
