Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the United Kingdom Conservative Party, has once again made headlines with her controversial comments about Nigeria. In a recent interview, she took a swipe at Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, and reiterated her identity as a Yoruba, stating that she has nothing in common with the northern part of the country.
Badenoch, who was born in Nigeria before moving to the UK, expressed frustration with being defined solely as Nigerian, highlighting her stronger connection to her Yoruba heritage. She stated, “I identify less with the country than with the specific ethnicity (Yoruba),” adding that she had “nothing in common with the people from the north of the country.” She also mentioned the association of northern Nigeria with groups like Boko Haram and Islamism, further distancing herself from that region.
Badenoch also recalled how her surname is linked to a warrior tradition and emphasized her commitment to protecting the UK, stating she would die defending the country.
In response, Phrank Shaibu, spokesman for Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) 2023 presidential candidate, called for introspection from those criticizing Badenoch, including Vice President Shettima. Shaibu suggested that Shettima should focus on more productive matters rather than criticizing Badenoch’s personal views.
Shaibu also pointed out that simply having Yoruba roots does not make someone inherently Nigerian, referencing footballer Gabriel Jesus to further his point.
