Kemi Badenoch: I don't identify as Nigerian any more

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Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, recently revealed in an interview on Gyles Brandreth’s Rosebud podcast that she no longer identifies as Nigerian. Although she was born in the UK, Badenoch spent a significant portion of her childhood in both Nigeria and the US. However, she made the decision to return to England at the age of 16 due to the deteriorating political and economic situation in Nigeria and to further her education.

Despite acknowledging her Nigerian heritage, Badenoch explained that her identity does not align with being Nigerian. She confessed that she has not renewed her Nigerian passport since the early 2000s, stating that most of her life has been spent in the UK where she feels a sense of belonging. The Tory leader shared her experiences of visiting Nigeria, including the difficulties she faced in obtaining a visa when her father passed away, describing it as a cumbersome process.

In her podcast interview, Badenoch reflected on how her early experiences in Nigeria influenced her political beliefs, particularly her aversion to socialism. She recalled feeling like she did not belong in Nigeria as a child and emphasized that the UK became her true home upon returning in 1996. Badenoch revealed that her parents’ decision for her to leave Nigeria was based on their belief that there was no future for her in the country, ultimately leading to her resettlement in the UK.

Despite facing criticism for her comments on Nigeria in the past, Badenoch remains steadfast in her views and experiences. Last year, the country’s vice-president criticized her remarks about growing up in Nigeria amidst corruption, but Badenoch’s spokesperson defended her against accusations of denigrating her nation of origin. Through her story, Badenoch sheds light on the complexities of identity and belonging, showcasing the impact of her upbringing on her political perspectives

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More

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