Fani-Kayode to Kemi Badenoch: ‘Nigeria Doesn’t Need You’

Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has told UK Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch that Nigeria neither needs nor wants her.

Fani-Kayode made the remark on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Thursday, following Badenoch’s response to criticism from Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima.

In his post, Fani-Kayode accused Badenoch of serving the interests of “racist and fascist” elements in her adopted country. He wrote, “No, you are not [needed], and neither do we need or want you to. You are doing PR for the House Ni*gers Association and the far-right wing of your adopted country. Do us a favour by shutting your mouth, dropping ‘Kemi’ from your name, and changing it to ‘Aunty Jemimah’ instead.”

"I am not doing PR for Nigeria"-@KemiBadenoch

No you are not & neither do we need or want you to. You are however doing PR for the House Ni*gers Association & the racist, fascist scum that constitutes the far right wing of your adopted country. Do us a favour by shutting your… pic.twitter.com/CABsmrUfVD

— Femi Fani-Kayode (@realFFK) December 12, 2024

This exchange follows Badenoch’s controversial comments about her upbringing in Nigeria, where she allegedly described living in fear and insecurity amidst corruption.

Vice President Shettima, speaking at the 10th Annual Migration Dialogue in Abuja on Monday, criticized Badenoch’s remarks, accusing her of denigrating Nigeria. He went further to suggest that Badenoch drop “Kemi” from her name if she felt no pride in her Nigerian heritage.

In her response, Badenoch stood by her earlier comments, asserting that she was not engaging in public relations for Nigeria. She emphasized that her remarks were based on her personal experiences and maintained her stance despite the backlash.