Kemi Badenoch's Aide Responds to Shettima: "She Is Not Interested in Doing Nigeria's PR"

Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the United Kingdom (UK) Conservative Party, has made it clear through her spokesperson that she is not interested in "laundering the image of Nigeria" following criticism from Vice-President Kashim Shettima. Shettima had called out Badenoch for previously describing Nigeria as a socialist nation plagued by corruption and insecurity.

In response to Shettima's remarks, the spokesperson stated, "Kemi is not interested in doing Nigeria's PR; she is the leader of the opposition in the UK." The aide emphasized that Badenoch speaks candidly about her views, asserting, "She tells the truth. She tells it like it is. She's not going to couch her words, and she stands by what she says."

Shettima had suggested that Badenoch, born Olukemi Adegoke to Nigerian parents, should consider changing her name if she wished to distance herself from her homeland. Badenoch, who is married to Scottish banker Hamish Badenoch, has sparked a conversation about identity and representation amid her political statements