Shehu Sani Tells Kemi Badenoch: Embrace the UK, Leave Nigeria Be

Former Nigerian senator Shehu Sani has criticized UK politician Kemi Badenoch over her remarks on Nigeria’s citizenship policies.

During a CNN interview with Fareed Zakaria, Badenoch claimed she’s unable to pass Nigerian citizenship to her children because she is a woman. She also suggested that it’s harder to become a Nigerian citizen than it is for Nigerians to acquire British citizenship.

“It’s extremely difficult to become a Nigerian citizen. I only have it through my parents, and I can’t transfer it to my children due to my gender,” she said. “Meanwhile, many Nigerians move to the UK and get citizenship after a short stay. We have to stop being naive about this.”

Her comments triggered a sharp response from Shehu Sani on social media. The former lawmaker questioned why Badenoch is so concerned about Nigerian citizenship when she has openly distanced herself from the country.

“Kemi Badenoch shouldn’t be worrying about citizenship from a nation she rejected,” Sani posted on X. “She should focus on her new homeland and let us be in ours.”

Badenoch, who was born in the United Kingdom to Nigerian parents, spent part of her early life in Lagos before relocating to the UK as a teenager. She is married to a Scottish banker and is now a mother of three.