Prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) members Femi Fani-Kayode and Bashir Ahmad have criticized UK Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch, asserting that Nigeria does not require her public relations efforts.

The backlash followed comments attributed to Badenoch, with Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima reportedly accusing her of denigrating the country of her origin. In response, a spokesperson for Badenoch, quoted by The Cable, clarified her stance, stating, “Kemi is not interested in doing Nigeria’s PR; she tells the truth and stands by what she says.”

Bashir Ahmad, a former aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, responded by urging Badenoch to stop “dragging” Nigeria into her narratives. Ahmad highlighted notable Nigerians such as Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Amina J. Mohammed, and Dr. Akinwumi Adesina as individuals already elevating Nigeria’s global image.

“Nigeria doesn’t need her PR, and no one is pushing her to do so. Madam Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Hajiya Amina J. Mohammed, Dr. Akin Adesina, and many more are already doing more than enough for Nigeria and Africa,” Ahmad stated.

Similarly, Femi Fani-Kayode, a former Minister of Aviation, lashed out at Badenoch, suggesting she change her Yoruba name if she continues to criticize Nigeria.

“No, you are not, and neither do we need or want you to [do PR for Nigeria]. You are doing PR for the racist, fascist scum that constitutes the far-right wing of your adopted country,” Fani-Kayode said.

The debate has sparked wider discussions about the responsibilities of diaspora figures in shaping perceptions of their countries of origin and the balance between criticism and constructive engagement.