Kemi Badenoch, leader of the UK’s Conservative Party, has raised concerns about the potential risks of poor governance in Britain, drawing a comparison to the challenges faced by Nigeria.
Badenoch made the comments during her first speech of the year at an event hosted by Onward, a think tank focused on economic and social issues.
In her address, the Nigeria-born UK politician emphasized the need to build trust and reform systems to secure Britain’s future.
She said, “And why does this matter so much to me? It’s because I know what it is like to have something and then lose it. I don’t want Britain to lose what it has.”
Reflecting on her upbringing in Nigeria, Badenoch shared how her family faced economic struggles despite working harder, as inflation eroded their wealth.
“I grew up in a poor country and watched my relatively wealthy family become poorer and poorer, despite working harder and harder as their money disappeared with inflation. I came back to the UK aged 16 with my father’s last £100 in the hope of a better life. So I have lived with the consequences of terrible governments that destroy lives, and I never, ever want it to happen here,” she explained.
Badenoch’s remarks are part of a broader criticism of Nigeria, which has sparked backlash from Nigerian leaders, including Vice-President Kashim Shettima.
Shettima previously criticized Badenoch for her ongoing negative portrayal of Nigeria, with her comments about the country’s corruption and insecurity drawing attention. Badenoch has also shared personal experiences of hardship, including an incident where Nigerian police allegedly robbed her and stole her brother’s shoes.
Her continued criticism has sparked mixed reactions, with some questioning her views while others see them as a reflection of her personal experiences.
