The Nigerian Presidency has responded sharply to the comments made by Kemi Badenoch, the newly elected leader of the UK's Conservative Party, regarding her upbringing in Nigeria.

In a statement released on Monday, Temitope Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Bola Tinubu, called Badenoch's claims a "cock and bull story," accusing her of fabricating details about her Nigerian childhood.

Badenoch, who in 2022 criticized Nigerian politicians for misusing public funds, previously described her time growing up in Nigeria as overshadowed by fear and insecurity, blaming the country's corruption for her experiences.

However, the Nigerian government has strongly refuted these statements, particularly after Badenoch's recent election as UK Conservative Party leader in November 2024. Despite attempts by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) to reach out, Badenoch reportedly declined communication.

Ajayi took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his disbelief: “You are Kemi Badenoch, an opposition leader and a potential future Prime Minister of the UK. When asked about improving police services in the UK, instead of offering solutions, you resorted to a far-fetched tale about policemen stealing your brother’s shoes in Nigeria."

Ajayi further criticized Badenoch for her inconsistent narrative: “For someone who’s clearly distorted her background for political gain, how can we trust her claims about her brother’s supposed police encounter? Her story about carrying a desk and chair to school at ISL doesn’t add up. And her claim of drinking dirty water is hard to believe, especially for a girl raised in an affluent family—her mother a university professor, and her father a successful doctor with a prestigious private practice.”

This exchange highlights growing tension between the Nigerian government and the UK Conservative leader, raising questions about the accuracy of Badenoch's portrayal of her Nigerian roots.