Presidency Criticizes UK Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch Over Nigeria Comments
The Nigerian Presidency has strongly criticized Kemi Badenoch, the newly elected leader of the United Kingdom’s Conservative Party, over her comments about Nigeria, dismissing them as a “cock and bull story.”
Temitope Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Bola Tinubu, accused Badenoch of fabricating aspects of her narrative to suit a political agenda. The remarks in question include Badenoch’s claims that corruption and insecurity in Nigeria heavily influenced her childhood.
Badenoch, who has Nigerian roots, previously attracted attention in 2022 for criticizing Nigerian politicians over public fund mismanagement. She has also shared personal accounts of life in Nigeria, alleging police misconduct, a lack of clean drinking water, and challenges during her time at the International School Lagos (ISL).
Ajayi took to X (formerly Twitter) to refute these claims, describing them as “false and misleading.” He questioned the accuracy of her story, stating:
“Her story of carrying a desk and chair to class at ISL didn’t add up. Her claim that she had no clean water to drink was complete baloney for a girl who grew up in an upper-middle-class family—her mother a university professor and her father a successful medical doctor.”
Ajayi also cast doubt on Badenoch’s allegations of police misconduct involving her brother, arguing that her privileged upbringing contradicts the picture of hardship she painted.
The Presidency further criticized Badenoch’s decision not to engage with Nigeria’s Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) following her election, interpreting it as an attempt to distance herself from her Nigerian heritage.
Badenoch’s remarks have sparked mixed reactions, with some praising her for shedding light on critical issues in Nigeria, while others accuse her of exaggerating her experiences for political gain.
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