Nigerian economist and former presidential candidate Kingsley Moghalu has weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding Kemi Badenoch, the British politician of Nigerian descent whose recent remarks about her Nigerian roots have sparked controversy.

In a statement shared via X on Sunday, Moghalu dismissed the significance of the discourse surrounding Badenoch’s identity, stating, “Even if she were to become the UK Prime Minister tomorrow morning, it would have absolutely ZERO implications (or benefits even) for Nigeria and Nigerians.”

Badenoch, a Member of Parliament in the UK and a rising figure in the Conservative Party, has faced backlash for comments perceived as distancing herself from Nigeria, despite being born there. While some Nigerians view her political achievements with pride, others question their relevance to Nigeria’s socio-political and economic issues.

Moghalu emphasized that Nigeria’s focus should remain on addressing its own challenges. He urged citizens to prioritize solving the nation’s problems instead of fixating on Badenoch’s remarks or heritage. “So why all the fuss? Nigerian leaders and Nigerians should fix Nigeria’s problems. ‘Claiming’ Kemi or her ‘denying’ Nigeria won’t solve them,” he added.

Badenoch recently defended her comments about Nigeria after Vice President Kashim Shettima accused her of disrespecting her heritage. She spoke about her experiences of instability and fear while living in Nigeria, which she described as struggling with corruption.

The debate continues to generate mixed reactions, but Moghalu’s stance calls for a shift in focus toward Nigeria’s internal development rather than external associations.