Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the United Kingdom (UK) Conservative Party, responded on Wednesday to criticism from Nigeria’s Vice-President Kashim Shettima, stating that she has no interest in doing public relations for Nigeria.
This came after Shettima accused her of denigrating the country following comments she made about her experience in Nigeria.
Badenoch, born in the UK in 1980 to Nigerian Yoruba parents, spent part of her childhood in Nigeria before returning to the UK at age 16. Before becoming the leader of the Conservative Party, she had made scathing remarks about Nigeria, describing it as a socialist nation plagued by corruption, insecurity, and failing politicians.
In a prior statement, she remarked, “This is my country. I don’t want it to become like the place I ran away from. I grew up in Nigeria and witnessed firsthand the consequences of self-serving politicians who treat public funds like their personal assets. I saw the destructive impact of socialism, the poverty, and the shattered dreams that it left in its wake.” She also described the climate of fear she lived under in Nigeria, recalling the constant anxiety of checking locks and hearing cries of robbery and violence in her neighborhood, leaving her uncertain whether her family would be the next victim.
In response to Badenoch’s remarks, Vice-President Shettima criticized her, accusing her of tarnishing Nigeria’s image. He contrasted her with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, whom he described as a “brilliant young man” who has never belittled his heritage. Shettima even suggested that Badenoch might consider changing her first name if she no longer wished to identify with Nigeria, drawing attention to her Nigerian roots and her current position as a public figure in the UK.
Badenoch, who was born Olukemi Adegoke and later married Scottish banker Hamish Badenoch, has since defended her statements. A spokesperson for the Conservative leader reiterated her stance, asserting that Badenoch is not interested in defending or promoting Nigeria’s image. The spokesperson explained, “Kemi is not focused on doing Nigeria’s PR; she is the leader of the opposition in the UK. She speaks honestly and directly, and she stands by what she says.”
