President Paul Biya’s Daughter Urges Cameroonians Not to Reelect Him
Key point: Brenda Biya, the daughter of Cameroon’s long-serving president Paul Biya, publicly urged citizens not to vote for her father in the October 2025 presidential election — a rare and widely reported break with a sitting African head-of-state by a close family member.
This article summarizes recent media reporting on Brenda Biya’s remarks and the context of Paul Biya’s bid for re-election.
What she said
During a TikTok Live session, Brenda — who is active on social media under the nickname “King Nasty” — told viewers she would not support her father’s re-election and accused his administration of leaving Cameroon mired in poverty, unemployment and prolonged stagnation. Her intervention was carried live on social platforms and picked up by several regional and international outlets. 0
Why it matters
Analysts and commentators noted the historic nature of the move: it is unusual for an immediate family member of an incumbent African head of state to publicly call on voters to reject their parent. The comments have intensified public debate both inside Cameroon and among the diaspora, where Brenda has lived and maintained a public profile on social media. 1
Where President Biya stands
President Paul Biya, who has led Cameroon since 1982, formally announced his candidacy for the 12 October 2025 presidential election in July, posting his declaration on X (formerly Twitter). At 92, he is among the world’s longest-serving leaders. His tenure has been marked by repeated allegations from critics of authoritarianism, corruption and disputed electoral practices. 2
Election context
The national vote is scheduled for 12 October 2025. The run-up to this election has already seen tensions around candidate approvals and electoral procedures — developments that observers say will shape how the campaign unfolds between now and polling day. 3
Reactions and next steps
Brenda’s remarks produced immediate reactions across social media and in some newsrooms. Supporters of reform and critics of the regime highlighted the remarks as evidence of deepening public dissatisfaction, while pro-government voices dismissed the live session as a private family matter that should not sway voters. Election monitors and rights groups will be watching whether the comments influence turnout, political campaigning, or government response ahead of the vote. 4
Background — Brenda Biya
Brenda Biya, who has previously been in the headlines for her public profile and statements on social issues, splits time between Europe and the United States. Her visibility on Instagram, TikTok and other platforms has made her a notable public figure in recent years. Media coverage of her recent live session emphasizes both the personal nature of the intervention and its broader political implications. 5
