Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has defended political activist Raheem Kassam after the latter referred to Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch as a ‘Nigerian scammer’ on X. During a BBC Breakfast interview on 27 October 2026, Farage argued that while the remark was over the top, he did not believe it was intentionally racist.
Key points:
- Raheem Kassam, a Reform UK supporter and former Ukip adviser, referred to Kemi Badenoch as a ‘Nigerian scammer’ and questioned if she was an ‘illegal immigrant’ on X.
- Conservative chairman Kevin Hollinrake accused Kassam of using ‘racist slurs’ against the leader of the opposition.
- Nigel Farage stated during a BBC Breakfast interview that he does not believe the comment was ‘intentionally racist’.
- Farage defined ‘scammer’ as someone who does not tell the truth and noted that Badenoch grew up in Nigeria.
- Farage pointed out that Kassam is of Indian heritage when questioned about the nature of the remark.
One of the Reform leader’s allies was slammed by the Tories after issuing the insult at the leader of the opposition.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has defended political activist Raheem Kassam after the latter referred to Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch as a ‘Nigerian scammer’ on X. During a BBC Breakfast interview on 27 October 2026, Farage argued that while the remark was over the top, he did not believe it was intentionally racist.
Raheem Kassam, a political activist and former Ukip adviser, is now a high-profile Reform UK supporter.
Nigel Farage has claimed that calling Kemi Badenoch a “Nigerian scammer” is not “intentionally racist” in a toe-curling interview.
He questioned on X whether the Tory leader was a “walking gaffe or an illegal immigrant”, warned people not to give her their bank details and called her a “Nigerian scammer.
“I don’t know, you tell me,” Farage replied. “As far as ‘scammer’ is concerned, it’s a strong word but it’s pretty clear that Kemi Badenoch does not tell the truth about what has happened.”
He added: “This is a cultural argument about whether Kemi Badenoch, who grew up in Nigeria, considers herself Nigerian or British. It’s not a debate or argument I’m going to get involved in.”
“So she’s a scammer? So you would support those comments?” Nugent asked.
Farage said scammer means someone who does not tell the truth.
Nugent continued to push him to ask if this was a racist remark, while the Reform UK leader said it was not a debate he wanted to get involved in.
Reminded that Kassam is a close associate of his party, Farage said: “So what? People say all sorts of things on Twitter every single day.”
He added: “I don’t think saying someone grew up in Nigeria is racist. I don’t think it is. You tell me. What do you think?”
As Nugent asked once more about the “Nigerian scammer” remark, Farage said: “All sorts of rude things get said on Twitter between people every single day.
“Do I think the comment was over the top? Yes I do. Do I think it was intentionally racist? No I don’t.”
1SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER NOW
Support MATAZ ARISING’ journalism of integrity and credibility.
Good journalism ensure the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy, and a transparent government.
We ask you to consider making a modest support to this noble endeavour.
TEXT AD: To advertise here – Email ad@matazarising.com
LATEST POSTS
-
Lagos Assembly okays state police, demands clear power-sharing
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas By Ayoola Babalola The Lagos State House of Assembly has backed the proposed establishment of state police but warned that the constitutional amendment before state legislatures must give states greater control over policing and clearly define the relationship between state and federal police authorities. The Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, raised the concerns on Tuesday…
-
Nigel Farage Claims Calling Kemi Badenoch A ‘Nigerian Scammer’ Is Not ‘Intentionally Racist’
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has defended political activist Raheem Kassam after the latter referred to Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch as a ‘Nigerian scammer’ on X. During a BBC Breakfast interview on 27 October 2026, Farage argued that while the remark was over the top, he did not believe it was intentionally…
-
FG approves N70,000 monthly transport allowance for workers
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas …agrees to begin minimum wage negotiations immediately The Federal Government has agreed to commence minimum wage negotiations immediately and approved a N70,000 transport intervention for workers for six months, beginning from November 2026, following a conciliation meeting with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). The agreement came amid demands by…
