The leader of the United Kingdom’s Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, has doubled down on her previous remarks about Nigeria, insisting she will not sugarcoat the truth about her homeland.
The response comes after Nigeria’s Vice-President Kashim Shettima criticized her for describing the country as a “socialist nation brimming with thieving politicians and insecurity.”
In a statement issued through her spokesperson, Badenoch said she is not interested in enhancing Nigeria’s global image, asserting that her focus is on addressing issues with candour and realism.
“Kemi is not interested in doing Nigeria’s PR; she is the leader of the opposition in the UK.
“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,” the spokesperson said.
Badenoch, born Olukemi Adegoke, has often spoken about her Nigerian heritage but has also been critical of the country’s leadership and systemic issues.
She adopted the surname Badenoch after marrying her Scottish husband, Hamish Badenoch, a banker.