Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the UK Conservative Party, responds to Vice-President Shettima's criticism, defending her comments on Nigeria's political and social issues. Despite the backlash, she stands firm, emphasizing her lived experience and refusal to do Nigeria's public relations. Shettima had urged Badenoch to change her name.
Kemi Badenoch, leader of the UK Conservative Party, has responded firmly to Vice-President Kashim Shettima's criticism regarding her comments about Nigeria. Shettima accused Badenoch of denigrating Nigeria after she described the country as a socialist state plagued by corruption and insecurity. Badenoch, born to Nigerian Yoruba parents, grew up in Nigeria before moving to the UK at 16. Reflecting on her experiences in Nigeria, she shared how witnessing widespread corruption and poverty shaped her views.
Badenoch has consistently spoken about the challenges she faced, noting the fear of crime and insecurity that marked her childhood. She also highlighted how Nigeria's political landscape contributed to her decision to seek opportunities in the UK, where she found a country focused on hard work and ambition. Despite Shettima’s remarks, which compared her to UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Badenoch’s spokesperson emphasized that she stands by her statement, asserting that she is not interested in doing Nigeria’s public relations. “She tells the truth. She tells it like it is,” the spokesperson stated.
Additionally, Shettima suggested that Badenoch change her first name if she no longer wished to identify with Nigeria. Badenoch, born Olukemi Adegoke, later adopted her husband’s surname, Badenoch, after marrying Hamish Badenoch. Despite the backlash, Badenoch remains steadfast in her views on Nigeria's political and social struggles.
