Former United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson has described Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch as a potential future British prime minister, crediting Nigeria for producing a figure he said is rising steadily in national politics. Johnson made the remark on Thursday in Owerri during the Imo Economic Summit, where he spoke warmly about the deep commercial and cultural links between the two nations.
He highlighted the steady exchange of talent that has shaped this relationship over the years. Britain, he said, sends pharmaceuticals, professional services, automotive parts and large volumes of whisky. Nigeria, in return, sends oil and gas, Nollywood films, medical professionals, technicians and tech innovators. Johnson added with a light touch that the United Kingdom also sends former prime ministers, while Nigeria sends “a future one” in Badenoch.
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The comment comes at a moment of heightened discussion within the Conservative Party about its leadership direction. Recent polling revealed dissatisfaction among party members following a poor showing in the May local elections, where the Conservatives secured only fifteen percent of the vote, their lowest result since 1995. Observers note that the party is already assessing possible successors should Badenoch decide not to continue before the next general election.
Names that have circulated in recent weeks include Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary who challenged Badenoch in the 2024 leadership race, and James Cleverly, the shadow housing secretary. While Johnson praised Badenoch’s Nigerian heritage, the Conservative leader has said publicly that she does not identify with the country of her roots.
Johnson’s praise added new energy to a leadership debate that has grown sharper since the party’s electoral setbacks. His remarks in Owerri also underscored the continued relevance of Nigeria–UK relations, especially in trade, expertise, technology and diplomacy.
