Reality television personality Anita Natasha Akide, better known to millions of fans as Tacha, has announced her intention to transition from entertainment to politics, citing deep concerns about the governance and development trajectory of her home state of Rivers.
In a candid interview with media personality Ebuka, the Big Brother Naija star painted a picture of a state rich in potential but hamstrung by poor leadership decisions. Born and raised in Port Harcourt, Tacha drew stark comparisons between Rivers State and Nigeria’s more developed regions, expressing frustration at what she sees as missed opportunities.
“When I look at other states like Abuja and Lagos, and I see how far they’ve come, and with the potential Rivers State has, they’re not trying to exploit it,” Tacha said during the interview. “It’s just very disappointing because there are so many youths, so many talents there, so many things that if the government can shed light on, a lot can happen.”
The 28-year-old media personality’s comments reflect broader concerns about youth engagement in Nigerian politics, particularly in oil-rich states like Rivers that possess significant natural resources but continue to struggle with development challenges. Rivers State, despite its strategic location and substantial oil reserves, has grappled with infrastructure deficits, youth unemployment, and governance issues that have prevented it from reaching its full potential.
Tacha’s political awakening appears rooted in a philosophy of active participation rather than passive criticism. She emphasized that meaningful change requires direct involvement in governmental processes, rather than commentary from the sidelines.
“It is something I’m working on,” she revealed when pressed about specific political ambitions. “I’ll have to make it 70% done before I can talk about it, because it does not make sense granting interviews like this, talking about the government without being involved.”
This measured approach suggests Tacha is taking her political aspirations seriously, developing concrete plans before making public commitments. The reality star’s reluctance to provide detailed timelines or specific offices she might pursue indicates a strategic mindset that prioritizes preparation over premature announcements.
The potential entry of another entertainment figure into Nigerian politics continues a trend that has seen celebrities increasingly engage with governance issues. Tacha’s youth-focused messaging and emphasis on untapped potential could resonate with Nigeria’s predominantly young population, particularly in Rivers State, where youth unemployment remains a persistent challenge.
Her political interests weren’t the only ambitious project discussed during the interview. Tacha also revealed plans to attempt a world record for the most makeup applications completed in 24 hours, targeting 150 people. This endeavor showcases her continued engagement with her entertainment roots while pursuing broader civic goals.
The timing of Tacha’s political announcement comes as Nigeria grapples with various socioeconomic challenges, with many young Nigerians calling for fresh perspectives in leadership. Her emphasis on youth engagement and talent development aligns with broader national conversations about generational change in politics.
As Rivers State continues to navigate complex political dynamics, Tacha’s eventual entry into the political arena could inject new energy into local governance discussions. Her significant social media following and public profile provide a platform that could amplify youth voices in political discourse.
For now, the reality TV star remains focused on developing her political strategy, promising more details once her plans reach what she considers sufficient maturity. Her journey from entertainment personality to potential political candidate reflects broader shifts in how public figures in Nigeria are engaging with civic responsibility and governance reform.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Reality TV star Tacha is making a serious move into politics, driven by frustration over Rivers State’s wasted potential compared to developed areas like Lagos and Abuja.
Rather than just complaining from the sidelines, she’s actively developing concrete political plans (70% complete before going public) with a focus on empowering youth and utilizing untapped talents in her home state.
This represents another celebrity entering Nigerian politics at a time when young people are demanding fresh leadership perspectives.
