UK Conservative Party leader and prominent cabinet minister Kemi Badenoch is facing mounting criticism from Nigerians after making a misleading claim in a recent interview.
Badenoch asserted that her children are not eligible for Nigerian citizenship because she is a woman—a statement that has been proven false by constitutional experts and outraged Nigerians online.
Fact Check:
Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution clearly permits both men and women to confer citizenship to their children, whether born in Nigeria or abroad. There is no gender restriction in this regard.
Reactions from Nigeria
Presidential adviser Bayo Onanuga swiftly responded, accusing Badenoch of:
- Spreading misinformation
- Fueling stereotypes
- And demanded a public apology for what he called an “embarrassing misrepresentation” of Nigerian law.
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Badenoch’s Position on Immigration
In the same interview, Badenoch also stated she is pushing for stricter UK immigration policies, particularly aiming to limit the number of Nigerians entering the UK for the purpose of acquiring British citizenship.
Her comments have sparked anger, especially given her Nigerian heritage and background:
- Born in the UK to Nigerian parents
- Lived in Nigeria until age 16
- Frequently references her Nigerian roots in speeches
Many Nigerians have called her hypocritical for attempting to close the door behind her.
