The Nigerian Presidency on Monday rejected remarks made by Kemi Badenoch, the newly elected leader of the UK Conservative Party, describing her statements about Nigeria as a “cock and bull story.”
Temitope Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Bola Tinubu, accused Badenoch of fabricating details about her upbringing in Nigeria.
Badenoch, who has previously criticized Nigerian politicians for alleged misuse of public funds, claimed her childhood in Nigeria was marked by fear, insecurity, and corruption. She also shared anecdotes about carrying furniture to school and lacking access to clean water, which she attributed to systemic failings in the country.
Reacting to her comments, Ajayi posted on X, questioning the credibility of her narrative. He pointed out inconsistencies, such as Badenoch’s description of growing up in hardship despite coming from an upper-middle-class family, with her mother being a university professor and her father a successful medical doctor.
Ajayi also cast doubt on Badenoch’s story about Nigerian police stealing her brother’s shoe, suggesting it was fabricated for political effect. He criticized her for deflecting questions about UK governance with exaggerated accounts of her Nigerian experiences.
Badenoch’s statements have sparked controversy, with many Nigerians questioning the accuracy of her claims. Despite reported attempts by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) to engage with her after her election in November 2024, Badenoch has reportedly declined to respond.
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