Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday turned heads at the Imo Economic Summit in Owerri, Imo State, when he declared that Nigeria had effectively “given” Britain a future prime minister in Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch.
Speaking on the long-standing exchange of talent between both countries, Johnson said the UK may send pharmaceuticals, services and whisky to Nigeria, but Nigeria returns the favour with oil, Nollywood, world-class professionals — and possibly Britain’s next leader.
“And we send you former United Kingdom prime ministers,” he quipped, “and you send us a future United Kingdom prime minister in the form of Kemi Badenoch, who comes from Nigeria and is doing better and better these days.”
Johnson’s remarks come amid renewed debate within Conservative ranks over Badenoch’s leadership prospects, with internal polling showing pockets of dissatisfaction following the party’s historic poor showing in the May local elections.
Possible successors being quietly discussed include Robert Jenrick — Badenoch’s 2024 leadership rival — and James Cleverly, the shadow housing secretary.
Despite Johnson celebrating her Nigerian heritage, Badenoch has repeatedly insisted she no longer identifies with the country of her parents, even as her background remains a recurring talking point in British politics.
