Kemi Badenoch has expressed that she does not perceive herself as Nigerian and currently lacks a passport for the nation where she was raised.
The head of the Conservative Party was born in the London area of Wimbledon but spent her formative years in Lagos, Nigeria.
When Nigeria’s economy fell apart in the 1990s, Ms Badenoch, at the age of 16, returned to the UK to stay with a family friend and pursue her studies.
In a discussion with former MP and television host Gyles Brandreth on the Rosebud podcast, Ms Badenoch remarked that since most of her life has unfolded in the UK, she “does not connect” as Nigerian.
“I’m Nigerian by heritage, through birth, despite not being born there because of my parents… but in terms of identity, I don’t really see it that way,” stated the North West Essex MP.
“I haven’t renewed my Nigerian passport since the early 2000s.”
Ms Badenoch mentioned that her true home is where her family resides, which includes her extended political family.
Regarding Nigeria, she noted:
“I am very familiar with the country, have many relatives there, and I take a keen interest in its affairs.”
“However, home is where my current family is, which comprises my children, my husband, and my brother with his children, including in-laws. The Conservative Party is definitely a part of my family – my extended family, as I refer to it,” she elaborated.
She also indicated that her early experiences in Nigeria influenced her political views, including her aversion to socialism.
“I recall never fully feeling that I belonged there,” she added.
Last year, Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima accused Ms Badenoch of speaking ill of the country, asserting that she has “every right to drop the Kemi from her name.”
This criticism arose after Ms Badenoch discussed her upbringing in Nigeria during the Conservative leadership contest.
A spokesperson for Kemi Badenoch countered Mr. Shettima by stating that the Conservative leader was “not the representative for Nigeria.”