By Victor Alegbo
With Husband
In a move that has sparked both shock and debate, British Conservative politician Kemi Badenoch has publicly declared that she no longer identifies as Nigerian and has formally renounced her Nigerian passport, signaling a clear departure from her heritage and ties to the country of her birth.
The Minister for Business and Trade, who was born in Wimbledon, London to Nigerian parents but spent part of her childhood in Lagos, made the startling admission during a recent interview, stating,
“I no longer feel Nigerian. My identity, loyalty, and values are fully British.”
Badenoch revealed that she gave up her Nigerian passport as a personal and political decision, emphasizing her disconnection from the country’s political, cultural, and social systems. The decision, she says, was not taken lightly but stemmed from years of reflection about what identity means to her as a lawmaker and as someone who has lived between two worlds.
“People say identity is where you come from. I disagree. Identity is what you build, what you believe, and where your loyalty lies,” she said.
“For me, that place is Britain. I want no ambiguity about that.”
The 44-year-old politician, known for her strong stances on immigration, race, and nationalism within the UK’s political landscape, has frequently criticized what she describes as the “weaponization of ethnicity” in politics. She has often positioned herself as a proud advocate of meritocracy and integration, values she believes Nigeria has struggled to uphold.
A Divisive Declaration
Badenoch’s renunciation has drawn mixed reactions across the globe — particularly in Nigeria, where many still considered her a symbol of Nigerian excellence on the world stage.
While some have praised her for choosing clarity and conviction, others view her move as a rejection of her roots and a slight against a nation that shaped much of her early experience. Critics accuse her of turning her back on her heritage to curry favor with right-wing sentiments in British politics.
“No matter what office she holds, Kemi’s bloodline and name remain Nigerian. That’s not something you can renounce,” said one user on X (formerly Twitter).
Still, some Nigerian-British citizens have defended her, suggesting that Badenoch’s choice reflects a deeper frustration with Nigeria’s systemic issues and her desire to align her political career strictly with her country of service.
Personal vs Political
Kemi Badenoch’s political career has always reflected a tough, pragmatic worldview. From speaking out against critical race theory in schools to defending British colonial history in parliament, she has never shied away from controversy — and this latest decision is no exception.
Her statement comes at a time when dual nationality and multicultural identity are topics of intense debate globally. While many politicians celebrate their dual heritage, Badenoch has chosen a different path — one that erases the “hyphen” in her Nigerian-British identity and embraces singular allegiance.
“I will always respect my parents’ background,” she added, “but I am not emotionally or culturally tied to Nigeria anymore.”
What’s Next?
As one of the Conservative Party’s most prominent rising stars and a potential future party leader, Kemi Badenoch’s firm positioning may further solidify her appeal among certain factions of the British electorate. However, the ripple effect of her decision — especially within immigrant communities — is yet to be fully understood.
For many, her renunciation poses a bigger question: Can one truly walk away from where they come from?
In the end, Badenoch’s story is a bold expression of personal identity — one that challenges the global conversation on roots, allegiance, and belonging in a complex, connected world.
With Father
