Kemi Badenoch, leader of the United Kingdom’s Conservative Party, has responded to criticism from Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima, who accused her of denigrating Nigeria. Badenoch maintained that she has no interest in “laundering the image” of the country, reiterating her stance on Nigeria’s political system.
Badenoch, born in the UK in 1980 to Nigerian Yoruba parents, spent part of her childhood in Nigeria before returning to the UK at the age of 16. Her earlier remarks describing Nigeria as a “socialist nation brimming with thieves as politicians and insecurity” drew sharp reactions, including Vice President Shettima’s disapproval.
Defending her position, Badenoch said: “This is my country, I don’t want it to become like the place I ran away from. I grew up in Nigeria, and I saw firsthand what happens when politicians are in it for themselves—when they use public money as their piggy banks and pollute the whole political atmosphere with their failure to serve others. I saw what socialism is for millions. I saw poverty and broken dreams. I came to Britain to make my way in a country where hard work and honest endeavor can take you anywhere.”
Badenoch’s remarks reflect her personal experiences in Nigeria and underline her vision for governance in the UK. However, her statements have reignited debate about her views on Nigeria and the responsibilities of politicians with Nigerian roots.
