
25/07/2025
Nigeria Calls on UK to Reclaim Kemi Badenoch Over Remarks About Nigeria
Nigeria's presidency on Wednesday urged the United Kingdom to “return” Kemi Badenoch for proper education, criticizing her for making unfavorable comments about Nigeria. Badenoch, a British Conservative Party leader of Nigerian descent, recently claimed she couldn't pass her Nigerian citizenship to her children because she is a woman—an assertion quickly debunked by Nigerian officials, who clarified that the Nigerian Constitution does not discriminate based on gender in citizenship transmission.
In a statement, Nigerian authorities accused Badenoch of belittling her country of origin and attempting to exploit her Nigerian roots for political gain in Britain. They condemned her remarks describing Nigeria as plagued by corruption, insecurity, and poor public services, viewing such statements as damaging to Nigeria’s reputation and dignity.
A government spokesperson emphasized that Badenoch’s comments threaten Nigeria’s national identity, suggesting that her desire for Nigeria to change equates to wishing the country to disappear from memory, akin to colonial remnants. Badenoch, born in London and partly raised in Lagos, became the leader of the UK Conservative Party in November 2024—the first Black woman to hold that position—using her personal experiences growing up in Nigeria as part of her political narrative. This approach has received both praise and criticism.
The Nigerian government dismissed her stories about childhood hardships as exaggerated and criticized her for refusing to engage with Nigerian diaspora officials. They also urged her to stop using her Nigerian background for political support in Britain.
Nigeria’s presidency called on the UK to review Badenoch’s comments, which they say have broader implications for Nigeria-UK relations. They requested that London uphold mutual respect and avoid politicizing personal histories. The UK Foreign Office declined to comment on internal political issues, while Badenoch’s team highlighted her pride in her Nigerian heritage and her right to free expression.
By O. Ubah