Stop Lying About Nigeria! – Dabiri-Erewa Fires Back At Kemi Badenoch Over Citizenship Claim

The Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has taken issue with the leader of the UK Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, following her claim that Nigerian law prevents her from transferring citizenship to her children because she is a woman.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Hard Copy, Dabiri-Erewa labelled Badenoch’s remarks as both “misleading” and “completely false.” She cited Section 25(1)(c) of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, which clearly allows for a person born outside Nigeria to acquire citizenship through either parent.

“That is simply untrue,” Dabiri-Erewa said. “You cannot go on international media and spread a lie — because that’s what it is — a lie. Thankfully, people have already begun responding.”

She emphasized that while Nigeria supports its diaspora, it will not ignore attempts to tarnish the country’s image.

“Why present misinformation as fact? Why claim something that’s not true? There are countless Nigerians thriving in UK politics. It’s not about me, the President, or any individual — it’s about defending Nigeria. When you lie about your country, we will respond.”

Badenoch had made the controversial comment in a recent interview, stating:

“It’s virtually impossible to get Nigerian citizenship. I have it because of my parents, but I can’t pass it on to my children because I’m a woman. Meanwhile, Nigerians come to the UK, stay briefly, and acquire British citizenship. We must stop being naive.”

Her remarks triggered widespread backlash. Prominent human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, condemned her statement, calling it “a display of ignorance” and accusing her of misleading the public for political gain.

This isn’t Badenoch’s first run-in with Nigerian critics. In December 2024, Vice President Kashim Shettima called her out for frequently belittling her country of origin. Around the same time, she reportedly referred to Northern Nigerians as “ethnic enemies” and said she identifies more with her Yoruba heritage than with Nigeria as a nation.

She also sparked outrage by claiming Nigerian police officers had stolen her brother’s shoes and wristwatch, describing Nigeria as “a very poor country” plagued by law enforcement abuse. The presidency dismissed her story as a “cock and bull” tale, while political figures like Femi Fani-Kayode branded her a hypocrite — especially since Nigerian police still protect her family in Lagos.

Badenoch has often been accused of distancing herself from Nigeria in an effort to appeal to conservative audiences in the UK. NIDCOM revealed she has not responded to their attempts to engage with her.

She was elected leader of the UK Conservative Party on November 2, 2025, following the party’s defeat in the July general elections. She secured 57% of the votes in a run-off against Robert Jenrick, becoming the first Black leader of a UK-wide political party.

Born in London in 1980, Badenoch spent part of her early life in Lagos before relocating to the U.S., where her mother worked as a lecturer. At 16, she returned to the UK due to economic challenges in Nigeria.