Tinubu Ends UK Visit Without Meeting Opposition Leader Kemi Badenoch

Tinubu Ends UK Visit Without Meeting Opposition Leader Kemi Badenoch

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has concluded his two-day state visit to the United Kingdom without holding a formal meeting with Conservative Party leader, Kemi Badenoch.

The Nigerian leader, accompanied by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, held high-level engagements during the visit, including meetings with King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle, where discussions reportedly centred on interfaith collaboration and bilateral relations. The visit also featured a state banquet hosted in their honour.

On Thursday, Tinubu met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street, where both leaders explored areas of cooperation, particularly in trade and economic partnerships.

However, observers noted the absence of any formal interaction between Tinubu and Badenoch, despite a long-standing diplomatic tradition that often sees visiting heads of state engage with opposition leaders.

Badenoch was reportedly present at an event held at St George’s Hall but was neither officially introduced nor acknowledged by the Nigerian delegation.

Badenoch, who has Nigerian ancestry, has previously drawn criticism from Nigerians over remarks perceived as critical of the country.

She had stated in an earlier interview that although she has family ties to Nigeria, she does not identify with it, describing the United Kingdom as her home.

Her comments have sparked debate in Nigeria, with Vice President Kashim Shettima cautioning her against what he described as denigrating the country.

Tinubu’s delegation to the UK included key government officials such as Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, and several ministers, alongside top security chiefs including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.

Also present at one of the events was Afrobeats star Tiwa Savage.

The visit was largely focused on strengthening long-standing ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, with an emphasis on building a more robust economic partnership.