How Kemi Badenoch used Nigeria to rise to British MP status, now turns against fatherland

How Kemi Badenoch used Nigeria to rise to British MP status, now turns against fatherland

Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the British Conservative Party, has found herself at the center of controversy following her remarks about Nigeria.

However, it’s worth noting that the woman now under scrutiny for her statements once actively sought the support of the Nigerian community in the UK to secure a parliamentary seat.

Back in 2010, during her campaign for Dulwich and West Norwood, Badenoch (then known as Kemi Adegoke) reached out to Nigerians, asking for their backing while emphasising her Nigerian heritage.

A campaign flyer recently circulated on social media reveals Badenoch’s appeal to the Nigerian diaspora during her bid for office.

She not only celebrated her roots but also promised to enhance Nigeria’s reputation within British politics.

In her message to potential Nigerian voters, she expressed a strong desire to foster unity, despite her political differences, and highlighted the importance of electing a Nigerian who succeeded through merit rather than family ties or financial manipulation.

Badenoch, reflecting on a particular incident where a Nigerian woman insulted her for her Yoruba heritage on a BBC program, pleaded for an end to intra-community division. She emphasized the need for Nigerian unity, regardless of party affiliations, and encouraged Nigerians to support her vision of improving the national image.

Her plea read, “I need your help. The race is close, and while last year’s polls predicted my victory, things are tougher now. I want to change the narrative and show that a Nigerian can succeed on merit alone.”

Despite winning the election and becoming a prominent figure in British politics, Badenoch has faced criticism for her perceived use of her Nigerian heritage to further her agenda.

As she ascended to national prominence, she often referenced her upbringing in Nigeria to underline her political viewpoints, especially when condemning Nigerian corruption.

During her 2022 bid to replace Boris Johnson as prime minister, Badenoch made scathing remarks about the country’s political corruption, claiming, “I grew up in Nigeria and witnessed firsthand how politicians use public funds for their own gain, fueling poverty and dashed hopes.”

She contrasted this experience with her successful life in Britain, where she found success through hard work and perseverance.

Badenoch has also expressed her desire to prevent the UK from experiencing the same problems that led her to leave Nigeria.

In a 2022 interview, she said, “This is my country now. I don’t want it to mirror the country I fled. I want it to improve for future generations.”

However, this rhetoric has drawn backlash, especially from some Nigerians in the diaspora.

Reno Omokri, a former presidential aide, accused her of exploiting her Nigerian roots when it benefited her politically, while distancing herself when it suited her ambitions.

He pointed out the hypocrisy in how the UK embraced Nigerian talents like former footballer John Fashanu when he was successful, only to discard his roots when they were less favorable.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, speaking at the 10th Annual Migration Dialogue, also weighed in on Badenoch’s comments, stating that while she was entitled to express her views, she should not undermine the value of her home country.

In response to the criticism, a spokesperson for Badenoch reiterated her commitment to her views.

“She stands by what she says,” the spokesperson affirmed, adding that Badenoch is unapologetic about her leadership and remains resolute in expressing the truth as she sees it.