Kemi Badenoch Breaks Silence on ‘Nigerian Scammer’ Remark, Says Racist Attacks Will Not Work

British Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has responded to a controversial remark describing her as a “Nigerian scammer”, saying attempts to use her race against her will not succeed.

Speaking on ITV’s Good Morning Britain on Thursday, October 29, Badenoch criticised the comments made by Raheem Kassam, a former adviser to Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.

Kassam had attacked Badenoch in a series of posts on X, questioning her Nigerian heritage and accusing her of misrepresenting her background. In one post, he wrote: “How are people still falling for this Nigerian scammer? Don’t give her your credit card number and bank account details!”

Reacting to the controversy, Badenoch suggested that Reform UK figures might believe using her race would improve their political standing.

She said:

“Britain is not a racist country and because it’s not a racist country, their racist attacks and using my race as an attack form is not going to work.”

She also criticised Reform politicians for concentrating on personal attacks rather than discussing policies to improve people’s lives.

The controversy has also put Nigel Farage under pressure after he was questioned about Kassam’s remarks on BBC Breakfast.

Farage described the comment as over the top but said he did not believe it was intentionally racist.

Meanwhile, Reform UK politician Robert Jenrick also declined to condemn the remark, saying it was not his responsibility to police every comment made by people who may support the party.

The incident has reignited debate about race, identity and political rhetoric in Britain’s increasingly heated political environment.

Source: ITV News