Amanze Chinonye
Brenda Biya, the only daughter of Cameroon’s long-serving President Paul Biya, has made a dramatic public appeal urging Cameroonians not to re-elect her father in next month’s presidential election, adding an extraordinary personal twist to an already tense political season.
In a viral video posted to her social media accounts from Switzerland, the 27-year-old declared that she no longer identifies with the presidential family and would refuse any financial assistance from her parents.
“Do not vote for Paul Biya, not because of me, but because he has caused too much suffering. I hope we will have another president,” she said, also apologising to Cameroonians for what she described as the harm caused by her father’s long tenure in office.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelBrenda alleged deep-seated family conflicts, accusing her uncle Cameroon’s director of the civil cabinet of wishing her “death by overdose.” She claimed that relatives had mistreated her and that some close family members had even wished her dead.
President Paul Biya, 92, has ruled Cameroon since 1982 after serving as prime minister from 1975 to 1982, making him the world’s oldest sitting head of state. He is seeking an unprecedented eighth term in the October 12 vote.
READ ALSO : Cameroon’s Biya Formally Declares To Run In October 2025 Presidential Election
Africa’s Forever Presidents: The Leaders Who Won’t Let Go
While opposition parties have long criticised his four-decade rule, few expected a public challenge from within his own household. Political analysts say Brenda’s statement underscores mounting frustration among younger Cameroonians who view the government as stagnant and unresponsive.
Brenda’s remarks delivered in both English and French spread rapidly across TikTok and other platforms, drawing praise from opposition figures who hailed her courage. As of Friday, neither the presidency nor the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (RDPC) had issued an official response.
Brenda Biya is no stranger to headlines. In 2024, she publicly announced her homosexuality an orientation criminalised and widely stigmatised in Cameroon and has previously faced criticism for posting playful videos online. Her latest intervention, however, is her most politically explosive, directly challenging her father’s attempt to extend a presidency that has spanned more than four decades.
Her defiance is significant because it pierces the carefully managed image of unity around Cameroon’s first family and lends new credibility to long-standing public calls for change. By rejecting family privileges and apologising for her father’s rule, Brenda amplifies widespread grievances about corruption, unemployment, and political stagnation, potentially emboldening undecided voters and energising opposition voices.
Whether her plea shifts the outcome of the October 12 election remains uncertain, but it has already intensified scrutiny on one of Africa’s longest-standing regimes and sharpened the national conversation about leadership, accountability, and the country’s political future.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
