Opinion
Let Kemi Badenoch Be All She Can Be
By Magnus Onyibe
Lately, there has been much hoopla in the media about the new Tory Party leader in the United Kingdom, Mrs. Kemi Badenoch. From the media accounts I have read, this remarkable lady has pulled herself up by her bootstraps, rising from ground zero through diligent academic pursuits, building a successful professional career, and ultimately venturing into politics, where she has risen to astronomical heights in British politics.
In my assessment, her accomplishments are phenomenal, and she embodies the classic example of hard work yielding great rewards.
Unfortunately, commentaries about her coming from her ancestral country, Nigeria, have been largely negative. Her “offense” appears to be that she has, on one or two occasions, painted Nigeria in an unfavorable light. Among those who have lambasted her for not presenting Nigeria positively are my good friends, former Aviation Minister Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, and Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission. Most recently, Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has joined the fray by publicly criticizing Mrs. Badenoch as a potential prime minister of the UK.
Stunningly, Vice President Shettima even suggested that Badenoch should drop her first name, Kemi, if she no longer wanted to be associated with Nigeria. His remarks received a sharp response from the Tory leader, who asserted that she is not obliged to launder Nigeria’s image.
The question is: What value does this heated exchange in the media between Nigeria’s Vice President and a potential UK Prime Minister bring to either country?
In my view, the incendiary comments will yield nothing positive for both sides.
To put things into context, it is worth recalling that Mrs. Badenoch is not the first UK leader to portray Nigeria negatively. Former British Prime Minister David Cameron infamously referred to then-President Muhammadu Buhari as the leader of a “fantastically corrupt country” in front of the late Queen Elizabeth II Notably, President Buhari did not flinch, let alone express outrage.
But unsurprisingly, Cameron’s remark sparked debate on social media, with opinions divided. Some Nigerian youths even blamed Buhari for the odious statement, arguing that his rhetoric—such as always accusing Nigerians of corruption and branding her youths as lazy—had contributed to the negative perception of Nigeria and Nigerians globally.
Going back further, when the All Progressives Congress (APC) was in opposition, its then-spokesman, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, and other high-ranking party leaders often described Nigeria in derogatory terms to discredit the then-ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in their pursuit of political advantage. At that time, it seemed not to occur to them that such rhetoric would empower foreigners to disparage the country. In fact, it was such odious comments that became the ammunition that Cameron exploited during Buhari’s visit to Buckingham Palace.
Given this history, it is puzzling why Chief Fani-Kayode, Hon. Dabiri-Erewa, and, especially, Vice President Shettima, are now trying to hinder Badenoch’s progress in the UK based on her negative portrayal of Nigeria. These seasoned politicians surely understand that at her current stage in her political career, Badenoch—like many politicians before her—must make calculated remarks to align with her constituency and political objectives. Nigerian politicians can not deny playing to the gallery of public opinion while climbing the political ladder.
Arising from the above, what justification exists for the uproar about Badenoch’s remarks? What has she said that is not already in the public domain? Furthermore, the issues she referenced are arguably no longer as prominent in Nigeria today as back in the days when she was in Nigeria.
So, instead of seeing Badenoch as an adversary, Nigerians should celebrate her achievements and allow her to chart her course. In fact, we should make efforts to prove to her and indeed the world that things are no longer what Mrs Badenoch thinks of Nigeria.
That is why I have titled this piece: “Let Kemi Badenoch Be All She Can Be.”
It is worth recalling that in my column of November 26, titled: “Kemi Badenoch’s Remarkable Ascent in UK Politics: A Milestone for the Black Community,” I explored multiple factors that could have influenced Badenoch’s apparent disdain for Nigeria. Her views, as she has shared during her political engagements, seem rooted in her traumatizing personal experiences growing up in Nigeria.
From her accounts, it is evident that those incidents deeply affected her, prompting her to leave Nigeria for the UK at the age of 16. Who knows? She may still be grappling with the trauma of those early experiences of insecurity and other challenges she endured.
Are we not aware, through historical accounts, that back in the day, when the Queen of England uttered the phrase “off with their head,” the victim was executed, often without due process, as the concept of the rule of law was absent at the time? Would UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, or even King Charles III, be offended if a Nigerian, an American, or someone of another nationality expressed disapproval of such historical practices? Certainly not, as those narratives belong to the past and have long been consigned to the dustbin of history.
Similarly, Mrs. Badenoch’s unpleasant experiences in Nigeria before she left at the age of 16—now nearly three decades ago, as she is 44—are also in the past. The realities she described no longer define Nigeria, and we, as a nation, owe it to ourselves and the world to redefine our country and move forward.
Of course, as Badenoch rightly stated, she can not engage in image laundering for Nigeria, and to be frank, we truly need to take responsibility for that ourselves. Ironically, it is the persistent hammering of her negative remarks that continues to keep the issue alive in the public domain, prompting this intervention.
I can bet that there are millions of Nigerians in the diaspora of Nigerian ancestry who share Badenoch’s sentiments of resentment towards Nigeria and the system. It behooves Nigeria, especially Abike Dabiri-Erewa-Dabiri led diaspora commission to change such a negative mindset.
To refresh our memories, I am republishing not just an excerpt from the earlier referenced article but the entire piece to allow readers to revisit my position and gain a holistic view of the matter. I ask for the understanding of readers as I do so.
Below is the full article:
As Great Britain, once a colonial power ruling over 56 nations now part of the Commonwealth, transitions into a more inclusive society, a symbolic form of ‘reverse colonization’ seems to be unfolding. This phenomenon, exemplified by individuals from formerly colonized nations rising to leadership roles in the UK, highlights the open-mindedness of Britons. Their inclusive approach has afforded immigrants, including those born in the UK, equal opportunities alongside the native population.
The adventurous spirit of the British has also contributed to London’s evolution into a cosmopolitan hub. Home to people from various former colonies, London has become a melting pot of cultures and a global financial center rivaling cities like New York, Shanghai, and Hong Kong.
Historically, Britain’s dominance as a seafaring nation—beginning after the country’s founding in 1707—enabled it to build an empire that spanned nearly a quarter of the globe. Through its control of vast territories in Africa, India, Australia, Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean, the British Empire left an indelible mark on the world. While the UK is no longer the imperial force it once was, it remains a vital player on the global stage.
Should Kemi Badenoch—of Nigerian heritage and now the leader of the Tory Party currently in opposition—one day become the UK’s Prime Minister, it would be a monumental achievement, not just for Nigerians but for Africans and the global Black community. Her rise would echo that of Barack Obama, whose election as the first Black President of the United States inspired millions worldwide.
However, it is unlikely that Nigerians had a direct hand in Badenoch’s political success. Her ascent in the UK’s political sphere did not hinge on support from Nigerian-majority constituencies. Therefore, Nigerians must allow her to continue climbing the political ladder without the negativity that sometimes characterizes reactions to such achievements, as evidenced by the vilification she is currently contending with.”
In my view, if Kemi Badenoch reaches the pinnacle of UK politics, she may eventually acknowledge her Nigerian roots. However, even if she doesn’t, her success remains significant. It would serve as an inspiration for Nigerian-born Britons and the broader Black community in the UK, as well as in other parts of Europe and North America, to pursue political leadership—marking a meaningful step forward for the Black race.
In the United States, Barack Obama deliberately distanced himself from Black identity politics during his presidential campaign, recognizing that such an approach could limit his appeal in a nation where Black Americans constitute just 13% of the population. By contrast, Hispanics account for approximately 14%, while Caucasians make up around 67%. The significant role of rural Caucasian voters in Donald Trump’s victories in 2016 and 2024—and their influence in Keir Starmer’s Labour Party overtaking the Conservatives earlier this year—underscores the importance of appealing to broader, more diverse constituencies in multi-ethnic democracies.
For candidates from minority backgrounds aspiring to lead multi-ethnic nations, emphasizing racial or ethnic identity can create barriers. Hence, Badenoch, like others before her, must navigate this challenge.
Historically, Rev. Al Sharpton and Rev. Jesse Jackson campaigned for the U.S. presidency with platforms centered on Black identity, but neither achieved electoral success. Barack Obama learned from these missteps, avoiding identity politics and instead galvanizing young voters through social media, ultimately winning the presidency in 2008. Similarly, Kamala Harris, the current U.S. Vice President distanced herself from minority-focused identity politics. This is why she did not prominently emphasize her Black heritage during her campaign but instead celebrated her marriage to Doug Emhoff, a Caucasian, to broaden her appeal further.
Kemi Badenoch appears to be following a similar path in the UK. Her husband, Mr. Hamish Badenoch is a successful Caucasian banker—a detail that could work in her favor when elections are called. As leader of the Conservative Party, this positioning may enhance her chances of becoming the UK’s next Prime Minister.
Meanwhile, the debate over reparations for the historical atrocities of slavery perpetrated against Africans continues to stir emotions. At the recent Commonwealth meeting in Apia, Samoa, African representatives renewed their calls for reparations. However, King Charles dismissed the demands, and Prime Minister Keir Starmer brushed them aside. This response frustrated African advocates and reignited debates about the relevance of the Commonwealth, especially if it primarily serves to promote the economic interests of the UK as a former colonial power, with Africa as a market for its goods and services.
The UK’s resistance to reparations—unlike Germany, which compensated Israel for the Holocaust—is likely rooted in the immense financial burden such a commitment would impose, especially given the UK’s current economic difficulties.
Nevertheless, Britons, like Americans, have demonstrated commendable inclusivity and liberalism by granting citizens of foreign ancestry equal opportunities to rise to the highest echelons of political power. This inclusive approach could, for now, be seen as a symbolic form of reparation for the UK’s inability to meet Africa’s demands for financial reparations.
In this context, Kemi Badenoch’s rise to prominence—an African woman occupying one of the most significant positions in British politics—offers a powerful symbolic acknowledgment of historical injustices. It reflects the readiness of a former colonizer to atone, in part, for past atrocities such as slavery and the exploitation of Africa’s economic resources. Her potential candidacy for the Prime Minister would reaffirm this gesture of non-financial reparation, serving as a tribute to Africa’s historical exploitation, particularly that of West Africa.
That said, I do not support those in Nigeria who have criticized Badenoch for her disparaging remarks about the country during her bid for Conservative Party leadership. As Otto von Bismarck once said, “Politics is the art of the possible.” This pragmatic view mirrors the boldness that led Bismarck to organize the infamous Berlin Conference of 1884/85, where Africa was partitioned among European powers. The vestiges of this partitioning persist today and are part of the reason the continent remains underdeveloped.
Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States, is famously associated with the statement: “In politics, nothing happens by accident.” This highlights that political events and decisions are rarely spontaneous but are typically the result of meticulous planning, strategy, and deliberate manipulation.
Kemi Badenoch’s ambition to become the next Prime Minister of the UK is legitimate, and her approach reflects this aspiration. By aligning herself with the expectations of the British electorate, she has positioned herself as a candidate who embodies British political ideals. However, her portrayal of Nigeria, which has drawn criticism from Nigerians, likely serves to reassure skeptical voters in the UK of her commitment to those ideals—ideals that differ markedly from the political climate in her ancestral home.
Critics who find her comments about Nigeria disparaging may view them as unnecessary, but Napoleon Bonaparte’s assertion that “In politics, absurdity is not a handicap” offers a counterpoint. This underscores the reality that political maneuvering often includes statements or actions perceived as controversial or unconventional.
The ruthless ambition often associated with political pursuits is exemplified by Nicolae Ceaușescu, the former communist leader of Romania, who reportedly declared: “I will sell my mother to buy power. After getting power, I will buy my mother back.” While the literal feasibility of such a claim is questionable, it reflects the unrelenting drive and willingness to sacrifice personal relationships for political gain. Similarly, Ghanaian politician Freddie Blay echoed this sentiment, stating: “I love politics, and I would spend money to win power. If you are not careful, I will even be ready to sell my mother for money to retain my position.”
This stark perspective highlights an inconvenient truth: such a mindset underpins the actions of many politicians globally, particularly in authoritarian systems. Politics, after all, is a game of power and influence, often involving the orchestration of events to achieve specific objectives. While this doesn’t always imply malicious intent, it does illustrate the calculated nature of political strategy. As Groucho Marx wittily observed: “Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it everywhere, diagnosing it incorrectly, and applying the wrong remedies.”
From a historical standpoint, Badenoch’s current political strategy in the UK parallels that of Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR), whose rise to the U.S. presidency (1933–1945) was shaped by significant challenges, including the Great Depression and World War II. FDR’s leadership was marked by calculated and strategic decisions, much like Badenoch’s tactical rise to the top of the Tory party as she positioned herself for a shot at the premiership.
As the saying goes: “There is no smoke without fire.”
Badenoch’s seemingly critical stance on Nigeria may be driven by the significant obstacles she faces in her political journey. These include her non-Caucasian identity, which may lead some to question whether her African heritage aligns with British identity. This skepticism is compounded by concerns that her Nigerian background might influence her leadership style if she were to become Prime Minister. Overcoming these challenges requires Badenoch to carefully navigate perceptions and prove her commitment to the ideals and values expected by the British electorate.
Given the unconscious bias her non-Caucasian background might invite, Kemi Badenoch appears to have strategically distanced herself from Nigeria. This move is likely aimed at improving her chances of securing the top political position in the UK—Prime Minister and resident of 10 Downing Street. To achieve this, she has deliberately redefined herself as a quintessential Briton, fully embodying British political ideals and values.
Therefore, Badenoch’s public criticism of Nigeria’s political standards plays into this strategy, enhancing her appeal to the UK electorate who need to be assured that her values as a politician are higher than the typical Nigerian standard. These voters, to whom she must demonstrate her allegiance, are the ones whose support she needs to succeed in her political ambitions—not the Nigerians who have no voting rights in the UK and are criticizing her for not pandering to them.
Given the above reality, it is essential to view Badenoch’s actions through the lens of political survival. She faces significant challenges as she navigates her role as the first Black woman to lead a major political party in the UK. Her situation can even be likened to popular cultural phenomena. For instance, her political journey resembles contestants on the Big Brother reality television show, where individuals use charm, wit, and strategy to outlast competitors and win over audiences to clinch the coveted prize. Similarly, it mirrors the power struggles and scheming seen in Game of Thrones, where characters fight for survival and dominance in a high-stakes, ruthless environment.
Understanding the immense pressures Badenoch faces should prompt Nigerians to support her rather than criticize her. Hence, this intervention aims to provide another point of view (PoV) on the matter. Unfortunately, many Nigerians, despite sharing a common ancestry with her, have been quick to attack her leadership style and political stance. Hopefully, this article will help explain the rationale behind her political posture, which has drawn ire from Nigerians who perceive it as disloyal or unflattering. By recognizing the challenges Badenoch confronts, critics may better understand her choices and judge her more fairly.
In stark contrast to the criticism Kemi Badenoch has received for not openly embracing her Nigerian heritage, Rishi Sunak, the former UK Prime Minister of Indian descent, enjoyed overwhelming support from both the Indian diaspora in the UK and Indians back home.
1. Distinct Diaspora DynamicsThe Indian diaspora in the UK is larger, more established, and maintains stronger cultural and economic ties to India. In comparison, while the Nigerian community in the UK is growing, it lacks the same level of organization and connection to Nigeria.
2. Nigerian Political Challenges and Skepticism
Nigeria’s history of political instability and corruption has fostered skepticism among its citizens. Consequently, many Nigerians may hesitate to celebrate a politician, especially one who has achieved success within a foreign political system.
3. Limited Connection or Representation
Unlike Rishi Sunak, who openly embraces and celebrates his Indian heritage, Kemi Badenoch has not prominently highlighted her Nigerian roots and has even downplayed them. Her apparent reluctance, possibly influenced by Nigeria’s challenges, may contribute to the lack of enthusiasm among Nigerians.
4. Divergent Expectations from Diaspora Figures
Nigerians tend to focus on the tangible contributions their diaspora representatives make toward Nigeria’s development rather than celebrating individual achievements abroad. This difference in priorities may explain the muted reception to Badenoch’s political ambitions.
5. Media Portrayal and Controversy
The role of social and traditional media can not be ignored. Badenoch’s controversial remarks about Nigeria have sparked significant backlash, with media platforms amplifying these sentiments and shaping public opinion.
In Conclusion
Rishi Sunak and Kemi Badenoch (if she becomes Prime Minister) will not be the first politicians from minority backgrounds to lead the UK. Several British Prime Ministers have had diverse ancestries:
• William Pitt the Younger: Born in England, he became Prime Minister at the age of 24 and had Irish ancestry through his father, a British politician.
• Benjamin Disraeli: An English-born Prime Minister whose father was an Italian immigrant.
• Harold Wilson: Born in England, Wilson’s father, a chemist, had Scottish roots.
Kemi Badenoch, an African of Nigerian heritage, could similarly rise to lead the UK, following the precedent set by these figures.
Some critics might attempt to frame her success as “reverse colonialism.” However, she will not be the first minority from a former colony to rule the UK. Like Nigeria, India was colonized by Britain, and Rishi Sunak served as UK Prime Minister for two years (2022–2024) without significantly favoring Indians or enriching India. This demonstrates that such fears are baseless.
As Badenoch appears to have a strong chance of becoming the next UK Prime Minister, Nigerians should refrain from actions or criticisms that could undermine her ambitions.
To Kemi Badenoch, my advice is simple: remain composed (translated in Yoruba as fara-bale). Although you are British, your umbilical cord is still tied to Nigeria, and you will need the blessings of Nigerians as you ascend to the highest office in your current country of citizenship.
I join others in wishing her, as well as other politicians of Nigerian heritage, climbing the political ladders in their respective countries, the best of luck as they pursue their dreams of becoming Prime Ministers or Presidents.
The piece reproduced here was written and published several weeks ago, on November 26, to be precise, and it remains relevant today as Vice President Kashim Shettima’s comment has re-ignited the cataclysm.
Some things are better left in line with the conventional dictum: “Let sleeping dogs lie.” because Nigeria has everything to lose if we keep dredging up and keeping alive old negative news in the public space.
Kemi Badenoch is the least of Nigeria’s problems right now. Our leaders should try to excite Nigerians with the seemingly good news that the ice is thawing concerning the cost-of-living crisis. This may be evidenced by the gradual drop in petrol pump prices, positive signs in the naira-to-dollar exchange rate, improvements in our foreign exchange reserves in the CBN, increased crude oil production, reduced crude oil theft by international syndicates hitherto siphoning oil by rupturing pipelines just as there have been significant security improvements, which National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and General Chris Musa, Chief of Defense Staff, have been highlighting.
My plea is that let’s stop being nihilistic embrace the ideology of life and let’s live.
As I advised Mrs. Badenoch, in my earlier intervention, in politics, it is better to be inclusive than exclusive. Hence you can not afford to ostracize yourself through alienation. Having made your point, you must tone down your rhetoric so that you can earn the goodwill of Africa-Uk voters who you will need when you are allowed to contest for the UK premiership.
Justifiably, you are not like other minorities such as Rishi Sunak, who served as the UK’s Prime Minister without disparaging India, or Barack Obama, who became the US President without making negative comments about Kenya while pursuing his ambitions. The truth is that Sunak and Obama certainly did not have the type of traumatic experiences that you’ve cited as defining your perception of Nigeria. But that does not justify stigmatizing your ancestral country.
So you will be relieved if you eschew bitterness and try to exorcise yourself of the sordid memories of Nigeria driving your angst. Most importantly, you need to free your mind and stay focused on your goal of becoming the next Prime Minister of the UK, and by God’s grace, your dream will materialize.
And don’t forget: if you succeed, you will still need Nigeria.
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