Former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar’s Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, has criticized Vice President Kashim Shettima for his comments regarding Kemi Badenoch, the newly elected leader of the UK’s Conservative Party.
Shettima had, during the 10th Annual Migration Dialogue at the State House in Abuja, condemned Badenoch for allegedly disparaging Nigeria and suggested that she could even consider removing “Kemi” from her name.
Shettima declared that, despite her critical remarks, Nigeria remains the “greatest black nation on earth.”
He further noted that “one out of every three or four black men is a Nigerian,” adding that by 2050, Nigeria would become the third most populous country in the world, surpassing the United States.
Kemi Badenoch, while running to succeed Boris Johnson as British Prime Minister in 2022, had criticized Nigerian politicians, accusing them of misusing public funds.
She also described her experience growing up in Nigeria as one overshadowed by fear and insecurity due to corruption.
After her emergence as leader of the UK Conservative Party in November 2024, Nigeria’s Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) reportedly attempted to reach out to Badenoch, but she allegedly declined.
Reacting to Shettima’s criticism, Phrank Shaibu, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), argued that bearing the name “Kemi” or having Yoruba roots does not make Badenoch a Nigerian.
He drew a humorous comparison, stating that Gabriel Jesus, a Brazilian footballer, is not “the son of God” simply because of his name.
Shaibu wrote: “Those criticizing @KemiBadenoch should pause for a moment of introspection.
“The mere fact that her name is Kemi or that she has Yoruba roots does not automatically render her Nigerian.
“After all, Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus @gabrieljesus9 is not the son of God. @officialSKSM should find something useful to do with his time.”