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Kemi Badenoch, the first Black woman to lead a major UK political party, has stated she is not interested in promoting Nigeria’s image after Vice President Kashim Shettima criticized her for making negative remarks about the country.
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Born in the UK in 1980 to Nigerian parents, Badenoch spent part of her childhood in Nigeria before returning to the UK at 16. Before ascending to her current position, Badenoch described Nigeria as a socialist nation plagued by corruption and insecurity.
“This is my country. I don’t want it to become like the place I ran away from,” Badenoch said, referencing the UK.
“I grew up in Nigeria and witnessed politicians treating public funds as personal piggy banks, creating poverty and broken dreams. I came to Britain to succeed in a nation where hard work and honesty can take you far,” she added.
Badenoch also recounted her experiences with insecurity, stating, “I grew up in fear—triple-checking locks, waking at every sound, hearing neighbours scream as they were attacked, wondering if our home was next.”
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On Monday, Shettima responded to Badenoch, accusing her of denigrating Nigeria and contrasting her to Rishi Sunak, whom he praised for never disparaging his Indian heritage.
In response, a spokesperson for Badenoch defended her remarks.
“Kemi is not interested in being Nigeria’s PR agent; she’s the opposition leader in the UK,” the aide stated. “She tells the truth as it is and stands by her words.”
Shettima suggested Badenoch should consider changing her first name if she no longer wanted to associate with her Nigerian heritage. Born Olukemi Adegoke, she adopted the surname Badenoch after marrying Hamish Badenoch, a Scottish banker.
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