Nigerian political activist Aisha Yesufu has called on British-Nigerian politician Kemi Badenoch to let go of her repeated focus on Nigeria, following comments that have stirred controversy.
Badenoch, a prominent member of the UK Conservative Party and a divisive figure among Nigerians, recently shared a negative anecdote about the Nigeria Police during an interview with a British journalist. When asked if she trusted the British police, Badenoch responded, “I do. My experience with the Nigeria Police was very negative. Coming to the UK, my experience with the British Police was very positive.” She claimed that officers in Nigeria had stolen her brother’s shoe and watch but did not provide further details.
The remarks drew criticism from Vice President Kashim Shettima, who accused Badenoch of denigrating Nigeria. Yesufu also joined the conversation, reposting a clip of the interview on X (formerly Twitter) and questioning Badenoch’s reasoning for bringing up Nigeria in response to a UK-focused question.
“Kemi Badenoch @KemiBadenoch should grow up and move on!” Yesufu wrote. “Context is everything! She was asked if she trusts the British police. How is what happened with Nigerian police a reason for her to know if she will trust the British police or not?”
Yesufu criticized Badenoch further for her comments about Nigeria’s poverty, stating: “If the UK doesn’t give an enabling environment for people to loot Nigeria’s wealth and take it there, poor and Nigeria will not be in the same sentence. The bar being low in Nigeria doesn’t mean she should lower the bar for their police there!”
The activist also addressed the Nigeria Police Force directly, calling for improved performance. “@PoliceNG, you see your life? Always disgracing us up and down!” she added.
Badenoch’s comments have reignited debates about how prominent figures with ties to Nigeria represent the country on global platforms, with critics urging sensitivity and balance in their narratives.
