British Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has stated that she no longer considers herself Nigerian, revealing she has not renewed her Nigerian passport in over two decades. Born in the UK but raised partly in Nigeria and the US, Badenoch returned to England at 16, citing the country’s unstable political and economic conditions as key factors in her decision.
During a recent podcast interview, Badenoch clarified her stance, describing herself as Nigerian by ancestry but not by personal identity. “I have deep ties to Nigeria—my family is there, and I care about its future—but home is where my immediate family is now,” she explained.
Her remarks follow previous criticism from Nigerian officials after she spoke about growing up amid insecurity and corruption in the country. Last year, Vice-President Kashim Shettima accused her of disparaging her heritage, though Badenoch’s team dismissed the claims.
Reflecting on her upbringing, Badenoch recalled feeling out of place in Nigeria and described her return to the UK as a pivotal moment. “My parents believed there was no future for me there,” she said. Despite initial concerns about racial differences, she emphasized that she faced little discrimination in Britain, shaping her strong defense of the country against accusations of systemic racism.
Badenoch also linked her early experiences in Nigeria to her political views, particularly her opposition to socialism. While she maintains familial and cultural connections to Nigeria, she has no plans to reclaim her citizenship, stating, “Most of my life has been in the UK, and I’ve never felt the need to.”
Her comments have reignited debate over identity, belonging, and the complex relationship between heritage and personal experience.
