Kemi Badenoch, the newly appointed leader of the Conservative Party in the United Kingdom, is making waves both in Britain and internationally.
As the first Black woman to lead a major British political party, her election has sparked both admiration and concern, particularly among Nigerians and their descendants.
For many in the Nigerian community in the UK, Badenoch’s achievement is a source of pride. Born in London to Nigerian parents and raised in Lagos until the age of 16, she represents a beacon of possibility for those who identify with her background. Abel Fayemi, a Nigerian resident in south London’s Peckham, considers Badenoch’s rise within the Conservative Party a “remarkable achievement” that offers hope for the future. Fayemi, among nearly 300,000 Nigerians living in the UK, views Badenoch’s success as a significant milestone. Similarly, 24-year-old Nigerian Ajofoyinbo Oluwajuwon, who has lived in London for six years, describes her as an inspirational figure.
However, not everyone shares in the celebrations. Badenoch’s views on race, immigration, and policies related to the Black community have raised alarm among critics, particularly anti-racism activists. At the Conservative Party conference in 2023, she stated that Britain was the “best country in the world to be Black” because it is a place that “sees people, not labels.” These remarks, while celebrated by some, have drawn skepticism from others who believe her stance dismisses the lived experiences of those facing racial discrimination.
Badenoch has also made controversial statements about reparations for slavery, labeling such efforts a “scam,” and opposing the teaching of critical race theory in schools. Her stance on immigration has been equally polarizing, having supported a plan to deport asylum-seekers to Rwanda, a proposal later scrapped by the Labour government.
For critics like Janett Walker, CEO of Anti Racist Cumbria, Badenoch’s rhetoric offers a convenient platform for those seeking to downplay systemic racism. Walker expressed concern that Badenoch’s approach could “gaslight” those addressing issues of race and inequality.
British-Nigerian writer Nels Abbey, among many others, voiced concerns that Badenoch’s rise might allow some to express racist views without facing direct accusations of racism. Critics argue that by being a Black leader, she inadvertently provides a shield for those whose views align with anti-immigrant and racially exclusionary policies.
While Badenoch’s supporters view her as a meritocratic success story, critics argue that she downplays the role of racism in her own journey and in the struggles faced by others. Annabel Sowemimo, a British-Nigerian health activist, contends that while Badenoch’s rise to power may seem admirable, it does not acknowledge the challenges of racism that many others, particularly women of color, must confront.
As Badenoch settles into her leadership role, her polarizing views on race, immigration, and social equality continue to spark debates both within the UK and abroad, leaving her with the difficult task of navigating these complex issues as she leads the Conservative Party.
