Nigerians have shared mixed reactions after British-Nigerian politician Kemi Badenoch was elected leader of the Conservative Party, defeating Robert Jenrick in the final voting round.
Badenoch, a Member of Parliament representing North West Essex, became the first black woman to lead a major political party in the United Kingdom after getting 53,806 votes against Jenrick’s 41,388, as announced by the party on Saturday morning.
While some Nigerians hailed the triumph of the 44-year-old, others said her victory meant nothing for the Black community and Nigerians in the diaspora.
A popular media entrepreneur, Mo Abudu, in an Instagram post on Saturday, described Badenoch’s feat as evidence of the possibility of breaking limitations and embracing strengths.
“Kemi’s journey is a reminder to every woman and young girl that no dream is out of reach. Here’s to more stories of resilience, leadership, and making history,” Abudu said.
A former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, also hailed her election.
“Mrs Badenoch is the first person of African origin to occupy this position and the fact that she has Nigerian roots makes this a double celebration. This is the highest height a person of Nigerian heritage has ever achieved in the Western hemisphere. I call on all Nigerians in Nigeria and the diaspora to rally around her.”
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