Controversial Nigerian actress turned politician, Tonto Dikeh has announced that she is leaving the movie industry permanently, to focus on politics.
The mother- of-one is the African Democratic Congress (ADC) deputy governorship candidate for Rivers State.
The thespian disclosed her decision to quit Nollywood during a recent interview with BBC News Pidgin after being asked if she had completely retired from acting or planned to return after her run in politics.
She said: “I’ve done like two films in 10 years, so you can’t tell me I’m still in the industry. I would always appreciate that it was the industry that my path started from, that my shine started from, it is something that I respect, but it’s not something that has been in my life for a while now. So even after the election, it is not something I plan on bringing back.”
Opining on her fellow entertainers like Funke Akindele and Banky W, who are running in the coming election, Tonto commended them.
The movie star said; “it’s not easy for them being where they are and putting yourself out there to effect change, because criticisms and so many things are involved.”
Banky W is running House of Representatives seat in Eti-Osa constituency, Lagos.
Funke Akindele is running as deputy governorship candidate in Lagos. Bothe of them are members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
“I believe in Funke, I believe in Banky. These two people… I can hold to something and say I believe that these people have a vision for the people,” Tonto added.
Tonto likened her chance of winning to that of the duel between biblical David and Goliath, saying “anything can happen.”
It may be recalled that the controversial screen diva was announced as the running mate to Tonte Ibraye, the ADC governorship candidate for Rivers on June 24, 2022.
