Tuesday, July 14, 2026

I’m fully into politics now; no more acting: Tonto Dikeh 

Tonto likened her chance of winning to the outcome of the duel between biblical David and Goliath, saying “anything can happen.”

• August 18, 2022
Tonto Dikeh, African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Tonte Ibraye
Tonto Dikeh, African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Tonte Ibraye

Nigerian actress Tonto Dikeh has declared she is no longer in the acting industry any longer, as she faces politics fully.

The actress and African Democratic Congress deputy governorship candidate for Rivers State disclosed this in a recent interview with BBC Pidgin.

When the actress was asked if she had completely retired from acting or planned to return after her run in politics, she responded saying:

“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.”

Also when asked during the interview, about fellow entertainers running in the coming election, Tonto commended the entertainers, saying “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.”

Movie producer Funke Akinde and Bankole Wellington aka Banky W are running for deputy governorship and House of Representatives seats in Lagos respectively. Tonto commended their bravery  

“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 likened her chance of winning to the outcome of the duel between biblical David and Goliath, saying “anything can happen.”

Tonto was on June 24 announced as the running mate to Tonte Ibraye, the ADC governorship candidate for Rivers.

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