Kemi Badenoch Clarifies Her Nigerian Roots Amid Political Strategy

During a recent appearance on the Rosebud podcast, Kemi Badenoch clarified her stance on her Nigerian roots, stating she has not held a Nigerian passport for over twenty years. Despite her childhood years in Nigeria, she expressed that she never felt entirely connected to the country. She elaborated, "I understand Nigeria well, have many relatives there, and follow developments closely. However, my home now is with my family—my children, husband, brother, and his children." Her remarks have sparked criticism from some progressive and anti-racist circles, who interpret her distancing from Nigerian identity as a betrayal or a move for personal political gain. Previously, Badenoch faced criticism from Nigerian officials and commentators for describing Nigeria as a place rife with fear and systemic issues. There is also lingering resentment among some Nigerians over Badenoch's earlier self-identification as part of the British-Nigerian community. When she ran for Parliament in 2010, she sought support from Nigerians in Britain, emphasizing her Nigerian heritage and her efforts to enhance Nigeria’s image. Now, she appears to distance herself from that identity, aligning more with her...