Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has cautioned against the United Kingdom slipping into economic and governmental turmoil akin to Nigeria, describing the African nation as a “poor country where terrible governments destroy lives.”
In her first major speech of the year on Thursday, Badenoch outlined her vision for “real conservatism,” emphasizing a commitment to building a “better, richer, and safer” future for younger Britons.
“Why this matters so much to me is because I know what it is like to have something and lose it. I don’t want Britain to lose what it has,” Badenoch said.
The Tory leader recounted her experience growing up in Nigeria, where her family’s financial stability eroded despite hard work, citing rampant inflation as a key factor.
“I grew up in a poor country, and I watched my relatively wealthy family become poorer and poorer and poorer despite working harder as their money disappeared with inflation,” she said.
Badenoch also described her migration to the UK at age 16, arriving with her father’s last £100 and the hope of a brighter future.
“I came back to the UK at 16 with my father’s last £100 and a hope of a better life. So, I’ve lived with the consequences of a terrible government that destroys lives, and I never ever want that to happen here,” she added.
Her remarks are the latest in a series of public criticisms of Nigeria, a country she has often accused of mismanagement and corruption. In previous statements, Badenoch labeled Nigerian police as “armed robbers” who exploit and intimidate citizens rather than protect them.
The comments have sparked anger in Nigeria, with Vice President Kashim Shettima urging Badenoch to sever ties with her roots if she finds her heritage objectionable.
“She should change her name if she does not want any association with the greatest black nation on earth, Nigeria,” Shettima said in a sharp rebuke.
