Kemi Badenoch 'not the PR for Nigeria' and 'stands by' comments on country after criticism

11 December 2024, 19:50 | Updated: 11 December 2024, 21:11

Kemi Badenoch has stood by her comments about Nigeria after the country's vice president criticised her remarks.

Ms Badenoch was born in the London suburb of Wimbledon, and raised in Nigeria, before returning to the UK at the age of 16.

She has spoken often about her life and childhood in Nigeria - especially during the Tory leadership race.

Who is Kemi Badenoch?

But now one senior Nigerian politician has taken issue with her comments.

Vice president Kashim Shettima accused the Conservative leader of disparaging the country.

Mr Shettima added: "She is entitled to her own opinions, she has every right to remove the Kemi from her name."

Asked about the comments, a spokesperson for Ms Badenoch said she "stands by what she says" and "is not the PR for Nigeria".

They added: "She is the leader of the opposition and she is very proud of her leadership of the opposition in this country.

"She tells the truth. She tells it like it is. She is not going to couch her words."

It is not clear which statements the Nigerian politician was responding to.