The Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro) has submitted a formal petition to the United Kingdom Parliament and the Conservative Party, requesting an internal review of recent public comments made by Rt. Hon. Kemi Badenoch, a British Cabinet Minister and Member of Parliament, concerning Nigerian citizenship laws.

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, the Nigerian-based organisation expressed concern over what it described as “false, misleading, and diplomatically damaging” claims made by Badenoch during a recent interview on CNN’s Fareed Zakaria GPS. In the interview, Badenoch reportedly stated that the Nigerian Constitution does not allow women to confer citizenship on their children—an assertion PeacePro says is incorrect.

“There is no legal basis for such a claim,” Hamzat said. “The Nigerian Constitution does not discriminate between men and women on matters of nationality.”

PeacePro’s petition argued that Badenoch’s comments misrepresent the legal position in Nigeria and could have implications for international perception of the country’s legal system and gender policies. The group cited relevant provisions in the Constitution that it said guarantee equal rights for men and women in passing citizenship to their children.

The organisation also noted that this is not the first time the British Minister, who has Nigerian heritage, has made public statements about Nigeria that it considers problematic. Hamzat said such comments amount to a recurring pattern.

“Her public rhetoric reflects a recurring pattern of commentary that undermines the image of Nigeria on the global stage,” he said. “It is unacceptable for someone in her position to continue making factually incorrect statements about a sovereign country, especially one with such longstanding and strategic ties to the UK.”

In its letter, PeacePro called on the UK Parliament and Conservative Party to conduct a review of Badenoch’s statements, request a formal apology and correction from her, and establish guidelines to ensure fact-based and respectful communications by public officials when speaking about foreign nations.

The group also warned that failure to address the situation could create a precedent for misinformation at the ministerial level and strain diplomatic relations between the UK and Nigeria.

“Such misinformation, especially when coming from a UK Cabinet Minister, could damage UK-Nigeria relations, particularly in a time when both nations are striving to strengthen bilateral partnerships in trade, security, migration, and education,” the statement said.

Hamzat emphasised that the UK and Nigeria share historical and cultural ties that require careful handling in public discourse.

“Nigeria and the United Kingdom share deep historical, economic, and cultural ties. Those ties must be treated with respect and care, not weakened by misinformation or dismissive rhetoric,” he said.

The petition concluded with a call for truth and accountability from public officials in international affairs.

“Peace is rooted in truth,” PeacePro stated. “Diplomacy thrives on mutual respect. Falsehoods do not serve peace. Disrespect does not serve diplomacy.”