Nigerians react to Kemi Badenoch becoming UK Conservative Party leader

• Kemi Badenoch has been elected as the new leader of the United Kingdom’s Conservative Party, winning 53,806 votes to defeat Robert Jenrick.
• As the first black woman to lead a major UK political party, Badenoch succeeded Rishi Sunak as opposition leader after the Conservative Party suffered its worst election defeat.
• Many Nigerians reacted to her victory by praising her historic achievement as well as its potential impact on Nigeria.

United Kingdom-Former UK Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch has been elected as the new leader of the Conservative Party after an election that lasted more than 14 weeks.

The data showed she received 53,806 votes, ahead of her rival Robert Jenrick, who received 12,418 votes. BBC.

legit.ng Badenoch appears to have set two clear goals for her leadership – holding the Labor government to account and preparing for a future Tory government.

Badenoch, the first black woman to lead a major political party in the United Kingdom, will succeed Rishi Sunak as leader of the opposition as the Conservative Party recently suffered its worst election defeat.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer congratulated the new opposition leader and expressed his readiness to work with her.

“Congratulations @KemiBadenoch on becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party. Westminster’s first black leader is a proud moment for our country.” – Starmer published on X.

“I look forward to working with you and your party in the interests of the British people.”

How Nigerians reacted to Kemi Badenoch’s victory

Badenoch was born in London and grew up in Nigeria until she turned 16 from her Nigerian parents. Thus, her victory sparked a reaction from the West African country.

Reno Omokri, former aide to former President Goodluck Jonathan, published on X:

“Congratulations to @KemiBadenoch on winning the UK Conservative Party election. Ms Badenoch is the first person of African descent to hold this position.

“I call on all Nigerians in Nigeria and the diaspora to rally behind her.”

THINK YORUBA The first one, @ThinkYoruba_1st, posted:

“Yoruba women are royalty. Congratulations on becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party. Let Olodumare make your trip wonderful. May the Orishas guide you correctly.”

Siju Adeoye @sijuwadeade said:

“History is made by Olukemi Olufunto Adegoke Badenoch @KemiBadenoch. The Rt Hon Kemi Badenoch MP wins the UK Conservative Party leadership race. The first black woman to lead any British political party in Britain “

MP Florence Eshalomi, @FloEshalomi, said:

“From one British Nigerian MP to another British Nigerian MP, congratulations to @KemiBadenoch on his election as Leader of the Conservative Party. Eku ori ire. Your father would be proud of you.”

Meanwhile, amidst the congratulations, some Nigerians are also not forgetting Badenoch’s controversial comments and her negative portrayal of Nigeria.

Kelechi, @kelechnekoff, said:

“Congratulations @KemiBadenoch, denying racism and actively distorting the harms of colonialism and the transatlantic slave trade really works for you #Girlboss #BeelzebubsBabe”

Ademula Oshodi, @ekometa, said:

“Kemi Badenoch will be the new leader of the Conservative Party. If she ever heads the government. Here are the implications for Nigeria:

“1. The likelihood of tougher measures on immigration. Her statements clearly demonstrate this. She shouldn’t be biased.

“2. There is less, or will be, a push to maintain the status quo in funding UK development programs overseas.

“3. Be quicker to criticize Nigeria’s internal problems.

“4. However, it helps Nigeria’s image, influence and prestige. Nigerians cannot be ignored.”

Fani-Kayode criticizes Badenoch for attacking Nigerians

Previously, legit.ng reported that the former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, took on Badenoch over repeated attacks on Nigerians in her bid to replace the ousted Sunak as Tory party leader.

In an interview with Mail Online, the 44-year-old British Nigerian criticized Nigeria. She noted that she did not want Britain to become the same as the place she fled from.

Reacting to Badenoch’s statement, Fani-Kayode lashed out at the British Nigerian in a post published on his X page on Saturday, October 26th.

Source: Legit.ng