Funke Akindele, a Nollywood actress who recently ran as the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) deputy governorship candidate in Lagos state, has broken her silence and spoken about her next steps following her loss.
Akindele expressed gratitude to Lagos state for their support and belief in her in a lengthy message posted on her Instagram account on March 20, 2023.
She also appreciated the overwhelming messages and support she received from her fans and well-wishers, both online and offline.
Akindele acknowledged that her journey to the Nigerian ballot box was a learning experience, but she does not regret taking the risk of running for office. She added that, regardless of the outcome of the election, she is moving on and is already planning her next steps in life.
The actress encouraged everyone who means well for the nation and Lagos state not to give up and to speak up. She stated that she will continue to prioritize the good of the people and the integrity of her position as an advocate for the people.
She wrote, “It has been an amazing and insightful experience on my journey to the ballot, and I must say, it was an absolute learning curve for me. A lot of things have been learned and unlearned. I sincerely do not regret taking this huge step of running for office.
“I, therefore, want to thank the people of Lagos state for believing in me and supporting my decision to run for office. I saw every message of support online and offline, I heard of all the places where people supported me and challenged those who tried to discredit me. I remember every warm welcome during our campaign tour and the faith you all showed in me. The elections might not have panned out in the way we hoped, but it was an honourable run for us. We fought a good fight indeed as a matter of fact.
“I also want to encourage all who mean well for the Nation and the state of Lagos not to give up. I understand that some of us are beginning to develop some sort of apathy towards the system, however, if we do not speak, we would never be heard. I’m glad that we could at least speak up.
“Thank you once again, Lagos, for showing your daughter support. As I consider my next moves in life, I will continue prioritizing the good of the people and the integrity of my position as an advocate for the people.
Eko oni baje!”