Reform UK leader Nigel Farage claimed that calling Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch a "Nigerian scammer" was not "intentionally racist" during a tense interview on BBC Breakfast on October 27, 2026.

 

Nigel Farage questioned after former senior aide described Kemi Badenoch as a 'Nigerian scammer'

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage claimed that calling Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch a "Nigerian scammer" was not "intentionally racist" during a tense interview on BBC Breakfast on October 27, 2026.

The row erupted over social media posts by Raheem Kassam, a high-profile Reform UK supporter and former chief adviser to Farage during his tenure at Ukip. On the platform X, Kassam had attacked Badenoch—who grew up in Nigeria—questioning if she was a "walking gaffe or an illegal immigrant," warning users not to give her their bank details, and calling her a "Nigerian scammer". Kassam later stated he stood by his criticism but conceded that "con artist or liar would've been better phrasing".

Key Details of the Controversy

• Farage's Defense: Grilled by BBC presenter Sally Nugent, Farage resisted labeling the comments as racist, arguing that "scammer" means someone who does not tell the truth and pointing out that Badenoch did grow up in Nigeria. While he admitted the comment was "over the top," he maintained it was not "intentionally racist" and dismissed it as the kind of "rude things" said on Twitter every day.
• Political Fallout: The remarks drew sharp condemnation from the Conservative Party, with Tory chairman Kevin Hollinrake accusing Kassam of launching "racist slurs" at the leader of the opposition.
• Reform UK Response: Other Reform figures have sought to downplay the issue. MP Danny Kruger declined to directly condemn the remarks during a separate interview, instead characterizing the online exchange as "rambunctious debate"