“I’m Not Here To Do Nigeria’s PR”, Kemi Badenoch Fires Back At Shettima

Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the UK Conservative Party, has responded to Vice-President Kashim Shettima’s criticism, stating that she is not interested in “doing Nigeria’s PR.”

This follows Shettima’s accusation that Badenoch had denigrated Nigeria after her previous comments about the country.

Badenoch, who was born in the UK to Nigerian Yoruba parents, has spoken about her experiences in Nigeria before moving to the UK at the age of 16.

In earlier statements, she described Nigeria as a socialist nation plagued by corrupt politicians and insecurity.

She explained that her personal experiences in Nigeria, including growing up amid widespread fear and violence, made her determined to seek a better life in the UK.

Shettima, in response to Badenoch’s remarks, compared her to UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, noting that Sunak had never criticized his ancestral homeland.

He also suggested that Badenoch might consider changing her first name if she no longer identified with Nigeria.

However, Badenoch’s spokesperson stood by her comments, asserting that she was not trying to serve as Nigeria’s image manager.

“Kemi is the leader of the opposition in the UK and speaks her truth. She doesn’t mince words, and she remains firm in her position,” the spokesperson stated.

Badenoch, who was born Olukemi Adegoke before marrying Hamish Badenoch and adopting his surname, made it clear that her priority is her role in UK politics, rather than managing perceptions of her country of origin.