Senator Shehu Sani has issued a pointed message to Nigerians aspiring to move to the United Kingdom, urging them to continue supporting and praying for the Labour Party. The Kaduna Central senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) warned that an “Angry Tigress” awaits them in the opposition party, an apparent reference to Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch. Sani’s remarks came shortly after former UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer resigned from his positions as Labour leader and prime minister in an emotional farewell address.
Starmer’s Resignation and Sani’s Warning
Starmer stepped down on Monday, June 22, 2026, prompting reactions from Nigerian politicians and the diaspora. Sani took to his X handle @ShehuSani to post: “If you are a Nigerian who wants to Japa to Uk, continue to support and pray for the UK’s Labour Party…you know there’s one Angry Tigress waiting for you in the other party. Good bye Keir Starmer.” The term “Angry Tigress” is widely interpreted as a jab at Kemi Badenoch, the British-born Nigerian politician who leads the Conservative Party and has advocated for stricter immigration policies.
Mixed Reactions from Nigerians
The senator’s tweet sparked a flurry of responses on social media. User @DGovernorDonjay commented: “In Nigeria or UK politics, vibes don’t pay bills, policies do. Whether Labour or Conservative, migration dreams still meet visa realities.” Another user, @Saliu_ade, criticized those celebrating Starmer’s exit without examining the immigration stances of potential successors like Andy Burnham: “Nigerians celebrating Starmer's exit because of Suella Braverman without checking who comes next or what Andy Burnham's immigration position actually is. The research phase was skipped entirely if you like no use your head.” @chrixbliz declared: “The day kemi becomes PM I will start looking at other countries.”
Support and Criticism for Badenoch
Some voices defended Badenoch. @AdureOghenekev1 wrote: “The Tigress is 100times better than your slave masters here in Nigeria. The Tigress will not be sharing rice and buying cars for political sake where her people are being k*lled every day like your slave masters do here in Nigeria.” @Kaluchris47 added: “The Tigress at least has balls than the so called Senate house we have here, that are just clowns singing mandate songs.” @wisemaster05 offered a pragmatic take: “Kemi Badenoch shares your blood not your visa. She has explicitly championed stricter immigration. For Nigerians planning to Japa, sentiment is a luxury. Study the policies, not the passport.”
Andy Burnham Sworn In as MP
Meanwhile, Andy Burnham was officially sworn in as a new Member of Parliament amid loud cheers from Labour colleagues in the House of Commons. Approximately 200 MPs gathered to welcome the former Greater Manchester mayor, now representing Makerfield. Burnham bowed his head several times as he made his way through the chamber and grinned.
Badenoch’s Verdict on Starmer
Kemi Badenoch also weighed in on Starmer’s resignation, accusing Labour of failures across taxes, welfare, defence, and energy policies. She argued that Labour’s approach remains a bigger challenge than leadership changes, according to reports from Legit.ng.
