British politician Kemi Badenoch has addressed questions about her nationality and identity, following widespread online reactions to her recent comments in a GB News interview.
During the interview, Badenoch clarified statements that sparked criticism, particularly one in which she said she “no longer identifies as Nigerian.” The comment caused a stir across social media platforms, with many questioning her connection to her African heritage.
Badenoch, who was born in the UK but spent part of her early years in Nigeria, acknowledged her Nigerian background. However, she emphasized that she considers herself primarily British, citing the need for full integration into British society, especially in political leadership roles.
“It wasn’t quite what I said. But it is true. My main identity is British. That is how I see myself.
Nigeria is a nationality, not an ethnicity. There’s no such language as Nigerian, there are many different ethnic groups there.
If you come to this country, you need to be very focused on integrating. If you’re a politician, you need to be 100 per cent focused on British issues.”
Her clarification has generated mixed responses online. While some defended her right to identify as she wishes, others accused her of distancing herself from her roots for political convenience.
Reactions have trailed this …
@oka_iko said: “She’s not wrong. Nigeria is not an ethnicity.”
@osquare78 wrote: “This woman is definitely having mid-40s identity crisis and existential illness.”
@ObinnaCEO said: “If the conversation is about the UK, stick to it. Constantly dragging Nigeria into every UK issue is deflection, not discourse. Focus, Kemi.”
Check out post below …
[blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"]
“My main identity is as British. Nigeria is a nationality, it’s not an ethnicity…”
– Kemi Badenoch pic.twitter.com/k6bgBlNcqJ
— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) August 5, 2025
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