Kemi Badenoch Defends Criticism of Nigeria After Vice President's Rebuke

The UK Conservative leader, who was raised in Nigeria, stands by her comments on corruption and insecurity despite backlash from Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Kemi Badenoch, leader of the UK Conservative Party, has defended her remarks about Nigeria, describing her experiences growing up in Lagos as shaped by corruption and insecurity.
Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima criticized Badenoch during a speech in Abuja, accusing her of denigrating her country of origin and suggesting she could remove 'Kemi' from her name if not proud of her heritage.
Badenoch’s spokesperson responded that she 'tells the truth' and is not obligated to act as a public relations representative for Nigeria.
Social media reactions to Shettima's comments have been divided, with some defending Badenoch's perspective and others supporting the Vice President's stance.
Badenoch has frequently cited her Nigerian upbringing as a contrast to her conservative values, criticizing the country’s governance and policies during her childhood.