A Nigerian civil society organisation has urged a formal review of remarks made by Kemi Badenoch, accusing the UK Conservative Party leader of spreading misinformation that could undermine diplomatic relations.

A Nigerian non-governmental organisation, the Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro), has filed a petition to the UK Parliament and the ruling Conservative Party, challenging recent statements made by party leader Rt. Hon. Kemi Badenoch regarding Nigeria’s citizenship laws.

In an interview broadcast on CNN’s Fareed Zakaria GPS, Badenoch claimed that the Nigerian Constitution prevents women from passing on their citizenship to their children. PeacePro strongly rejected this assertion, describing it as factually incorrect and diplomatically harmful.

“There is no legal basis for such a claim,” said Abdulrazaq Hamzat, Executive Director of PeacePro. “The Nigerian Constitution does not discriminate between men and women on matters of nationality. Minister Badenoch’s remarks misrepresent legal realities and fuel misconceptions about Nigeria.”

The organisation expressed concern that Badenoch, who is of Nigerian descent, has made similarly negative or misleading public statements in the past. According to PeacePro, such commentary risks entrenching harmful stereotypes and distorting international perception of Nigeria.

“Diplomatic decorum requires not only factual accuracy but also sensitivity and respect,” Hamzat stated. “A political leader—especially one with influence on the global stage—should reflect these values, not erode them.”

In its petition, PeacePro called for the UK Parliament and Conservative Party leadership to take the following actions:

• Conduct an internal review of Badenoch’s public statements on Nigeria;
• Demand a formal public apology and correction from the party leader;
• Establish clear guidelines for UK political figures when commenting on foreign nations, especially those with which the UK shares deep historical and diplomatic ties.

The group warned that if left unaddressed, the incident could strain UK–Nigeria relations, particularly at a time when both countries are working to enhance cooperation across trade, education, migration, and security.

“Falsehoods do not serve peace, and disrespect does not serve diplomacy,” PeacePro declared. “Peacebuilding relies on truth; diplomacy requires mutual respect.”

The organisation concluded that political leaders must be held to higher standards of international engagement, especially when their words carry the weight of party leadership and diplomatic consequence.