Abike Dabiri Reveals Kemi Badenoch, The UK Conservative Party Leader Distancing Self From Nigeria Amid Silence on Attempts to Reach Her

UK Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch’s silence on her Nigerian roots raises questions, as noted by NiDCOM head Abike Dabiri

The recent comments by Abike Dabiri, chair of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), spotlight UK Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch’s detachment from her Nigerian heritage. Dabiri revealed that despite NiDCOM’s outreach, Badenoch has not engaged or shown an inclination to connect with her Nigerian roots. Dabiri noted that the commission made attempts to reach the newly elected party leader, though these efforts have gone unanswered.
Abike Dabiri, speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, expressed the Nigerian government’s willingness to recognize leaders of Nigerian descent, including those like Kemi Badenoch, who have risen to prominent positions abroad. Despite NiDCOM’s outreach, Badenoch has not responded, leaving questions about her views on her Nigerian heritage. Dabiri emphasized that while Nigeria takes pride in citizens achieving international success, the decision to embrace one’s roots lies with each individual.

Dabiri referenced cases where prominent individuals of Nigerian descent, such as Miss Universe Nigeria Chidimma Adetishina, had reached out to NiDCOM, showing pride in their heritage. However, she acknowledged that Kemi Badenoch’s decision not to respond underscores the personal nature of such connections. Dabiri noted that although Badenoch’s formative years included time in Lagos before her return to the UK at 16, NiDCOM respects her autonomy in identifying—or not—with her Nigerian heritage.

On Saturday, Badenoch was chosen as the new Conservative Party leader, succeeding Rishi Sunak. Her victory marks a milestone as she becomes the first Black individual to head a major political party in the UK, a role she attained with 57% of the vote against former immigration minister Robert Jenrick.