Open Letter to Kemi Badenoch By Chidi Ekeh,
Open Letter to Kemi Badenoch
Dear Mrs. Kemi Badenoch,
I write to you as a concerned observer, reflecting on your recent trajectory as the leader of the UK Conservative Party and the troubling pattern of disparaging remarks you have made about Nigeria, your country of birth. Your ascent to becoming the first Black woman to lead a major British political party is a historic milestone, celebrated by many, including those in the Nigerian diaspora who see your achievements as a testament to the potential of hard work and resilience. However, your repeated negative portrayals of Nigeria—its politics, police, and economy—appear to be a calculated strategy to distance yourself from your heritage in order to appeal to certain segments of the British electorate. This approach not only undermines the pride and contributions of Nigerians globally but also risks alienating those who once saw you as a bridge between two nations. I urge you to reconsider this path, drawing lessons from history and your predecessor, and to embrace a leadership style that uplifts rather than denigrates your roots.
Your comments about Nigeria have sparked significant controversy, particularly among Nigerians and the diaspora. In a December 2024 interview with *The Spectator*, you distanced yourself from identifying as Nigerian, emphasizing your Yoruba heritage and dismissing association with northern Nigeria, citing issues like Boko Haram. You recounted a negative experience with the Nigerian police, claiming they stole your brother’s shoes and watch, and described Nigeria as a “very poor country” where corruption and insecurity were pervasive. In another instance, during your 2022 leadership bid, you stated, “I grew up in Nigeria and I saw first-hand what happens when politicians are in it for themselves, when they use public money as their private piggy banks, when they promise the earth and pollute the whole political atmosphere with their failure to serve others.” More recently, you claimed that your children could not inherit Nigerian citizenship due to gender-based legal restrictions, a statement debunked by human rights lawyer Femi Falana as a misrepresentation of Nigeria’s constitution, which grants equal citizenship rights regardless of gender. These remarks, while rooted in some truths about Nigeria’s challenges, paint an incomplete and overly grim picture, ignoring the nation’s resilience, cultural richness, and the contributions of its people.
Your narrative often contrasts Nigeria’s struggles with Britain’s opportunities, positioning your move to the UK at 16 as an escape from a dysfunctional state to a land of meritocracy. While your personal story of overcoming adversity is compelling, it is disheartening to see Nigeria reduced to a caricature of poverty and corruption to bolster your political image. For instance, in a 2024 speech at the Conservative Party Conference, you described growing up in a Nigeria where “fear was everywhere,” with constant threats of burglary and insecurity. Yet, as pointed out by Lagos-based tax consultant Kayode Okunola, your family background—your grandmother a prominent merchant, your mother a professor, and your father a doctor—suggests a relatively privileged upbringing, not the dire poverty you sometimes depict. This selective storytelling has led critics, including Nigerian Vice-President Kashim Shettima, to accuse you of “denigrating” your country of origin, contrasting your approach with that of your predecessor, Rishi Sunak, who maintained pride in his Indian heritage while demonstrating unwavering loyalty to Britain.
Rishi Sunak, the UK’s first prime minister of Indian descent, navigated his dual identity with grace, never feeling the need to disparage India to prove his Britishness. Shettima praised him as a “brilliant young man” who “never denigrated his nation of ancestry,” highlighting a model of leadership that embraces heritage while serving the nation loyally. Sunak’s approach did not diminish his commitment to British values; instead, it enriched his perspective, allowing him to connect with diverse communities while addressing national priorities. Your strategy, however, risks alienating not only Nigerians but also the broader Black and immigrant communities in Britain who see your success as a shared victory but are troubled by your rhetoric. As Nigerian journalist Rufai Oseni noted, your comments appear tailored to appeal to white British nationalists, feeding into a “confirmation bias” that reinforces negative stereotypes about Black nations. This approach may yield short-term political gains but carries long-term risks, as history shows.
Consider the cautionary tales of leaders who sought favor by betraying their kin, only to face shame and rejection. In the Bible, Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, seeking favor with the authorities, only to meet a tragic end when his betrayal brought him no lasting acceptance. Similarly, in African history, some colonial-era intermediaries collaborated with oppressors against their own people, hoping for favor, only to be discarded when their utility waned. In Nigeria’s own history, figures who aligned with colonial powers for personal gain often found themselves ostracized by both their communities and those they sought to please. These stories underscore a universal truth: betraying one’s roots for political expediency rarely leads to enduring respect or success. Your current path, which leverages Nigeria’s challenges to appeal to a specific British audience, risks placing you in a similar position—celebrated momentarily by some, but potentially distrusted by many.
Your political agenda, rooted in free-market principles and a rejection of “progressive ideology,” is clear. You advocate for a smaller state, less regulation, and a return to “first principles” of individual responsibility. These are legitimate positions, and your combative style has earned you a following among Conservatives who see you as a counter to Nigel Farage’s Reform UK. However, your focus on Nigeria’s flaws to underscore your British credentials is neither necessary nor sustainable. You can appeal to British voters without throwing Nigeria under the bus. Here are alternative approaches:
1. *Embrace Your Dual Heritage*: Highlight how your Nigerian upbringing and British education have shaped a unique perspective that strengthens your leadership. Celebrate Nigeria’s contributions—its vibrant culture, entrepreneurial spirit, and global diaspora—while acknowledging its challenges constructively, as Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah suggested. This approach can resonate with Britain’s diverse population, including the Nigerian community in Peckham, who see your success as inspirational.
2. *Focus on Policy, Not Polemics*: Your leadership campaign emphasized renewing the Conservative Party by addressing economic stagnation and immigration concerns. Rather than using Nigeria as a foil, articulate a vision for Britain’s future—tackling cost-of-living issues, promoting free enterprise, and fostering unity. Your experience as a former software engineer and business secretary equips you to offer practical solutions without resorting to divisive rhetoric.
3. *Build Bridges, Not Walls*: As a first-generation immigrant, you have a unique opportunity to address immigration debates with nuance, advocating for integration while respecting cultural diversity. Your call for immigrants to share British values can be framed positively, emphasizing shared aspirations rather than dismissing other cultures as “invalid.” This approach can counter Farage’s narrative without alienating moderate voters.
4. *Engage the Diaspora*: During your 2010 campaign for Dulwich and West Norwood, you sought Nigerian support, proudly embracing your heritage. Reconnect with these communities, acknowledging their contributions to Britain’s economy and culture. This can bolster your credibility as a leader who unites rather than divides.
If you persist in denigrating Nigeria to curry favor, I must warn you, with all due respect, that your political future may mirror those who traded integrity for short-term gain. The British electorate, while diverse, values authenticity and consistency. Your remarks have already drawn criticism from Nigerians and anti-racism activists in Britain, who fear your approach enables those who would dismiss racial equality concerns. Should you continue to alienate the Black and immigrant communities, you risk losing their support, undermining your claim to be a unifying leader. Worse, the nationalist factions you court may never fully embrace you, as history shows with those who compromise their identity for acceptance. Your legacy could be one of division rather than the historic achievement it deserves to be.[](https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uks-new-conservative-leader-badenoch-leaves-british-nigerians-divided-2024-11-12/)
Mrs. Badenoch, you stand at a crossroads. You can be a leader who, like Rishi Sunak, honors her heritage while serving Britain with distinction. You can inspire by showing that one’s roots and loyalty to country are not mutually exclusive. Nigeria, despite its challenges, is a nation of immense potential, with a diaspora that includes global leaders in business, technology, and the arts. By embracing this narrative, you can appeal to British voters as a confident, authentic leader who bridges cultures rather than burns bridges. The choice is yours, but I implore you to choose a path of integrity, lest you find yourself, like Judas or the colonial collaborators, remembered not for your achievements but for the trust you betrayed.
Sincerely,
A Concerned Global Citizen
Chidi Ekeh writes from Abuja
