
Popular Nigerian TV host Morayo Afolabi-Brown has sent shockwaves across the political and media landscape with a cryptic and pointed message directed at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In a social media post that has since gone viral, Morayo called on the Nigerian leader to take a six-month leave of absence and allow an unnamed “he” to take over the presidency, presumably to “see what magic he wants to do.” The statement, widely interpreted as a subtle jab at a prominent political rival or internal party figure, has ignited intense speculation, backlash, and support online, with many asking: who exactly is she referring to, and why now?
The post, shared via Instagram Stories under her verified account just 34 minutes before it began trending, read: “Dear @officialasiwajubat pls allow him be president for 6 months while you take a leave of absence. Let’s even see what magic he wants to do. This desperation is rather sickening.”
While Morayo did not explicitly name who “he” is, social media users and political observers were quick to draw connections between her message and the ongoing murmurs within the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nigeria’s ruling party. Some suggested the post could be referencing Vice President Kashim Shettima, whose loyalty has recently come under scrutiny. Others speculated that Morayo might be alluding to key opposition figures or even internal APC dissenters who have been subtly positioning themselves for a takeover, either through political scheming or public criticism of Tinubu’s leadership.
The backdrop to this post is Nigeria’s increasingly tense political climate. Amid economic difficulties, rising inflation, fuel subsidy removal backlash, and public frustration over insecurity, Tinubu’s administration has come under immense pressure. Several critics, including former allies, have publicly expressed dissatisfaction with his performance just over a year into his presidency. The bold tone of Morayo’s post has fueled rumors that even prominent voices in civil society and the media are losing patience with the pace of governance.
Reactions to her statement have ranged from outright condemnation to spirited defense. While some Nigerians praised Morayo for speaking her mind and voicing the frustrations of ordinary citizens, others accused her of being reckless and fanning the flames of political instability. APC loyalists, in particular, did not take kindly to the post, calling it “irresponsible” and “ill-timed.” One commenter wrote, “This is no time for sarcasm. The country needs unity, not passive-aggressive jabs from people with a platform.”
Others, however, applauded her courage. A widely retweeted response said, “Morayo Brown just said what everyone is thinking but too afraid to say. Let that man run things for six months, and let’s see the miracle he’s been promising.” Some pointed to the fact that Morayo has always been politically aware and never one to mince words when discussing governance on her daily TV show, Your View, which airs on TVC.
What makes this post particularly striking is the tone and language used. Words like “desperation” and “sickening” convey more than just political criticism—they hint at internal frustration and deep disappointment. It has raised questions about whether Morayo is speaking from an insider’s knowledge of political happenings or simply voicing a citizen’s exasperation.
Attempts by journalists to reach her for clarification have so far been unsuccessful. TVC, where she hosts her show, has not released any official statement either. It remains unclear whether her post represents a personal opinion or reflects wider discontent among the country’s elite.
In the corridors of power, sources report growing unease over media personalities and public figures becoming more vocal in their disapproval of the government. One senior APC member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “Morayo is not just any media person. She has influence. She has political reach. For her to say this, either she knows something we don’t, or she’s ready to face the consequences of such a bold statement.”
This is not the first time Morayo has courted controversy. In 2018, she made headlines when she spoke candidly on-air about child abuse, drawing mixed reactions from the public. Her career has been defined by fearless commentary and unfiltered honesty, which is part of why her recent message has reverberated so strongly.
The timing of the message also raises eyebrows. It comes days after reports emerged of infighting within the presidency and a rumored cabinet shake-up. Some political analysts believe Morayo’s post may be a reaction to mounting internal pressures or an attempt to preemptively expose behind-the-scenes maneuvering.
Interestingly, this comes amid a growing number of calls from civil society organizations for more transparency and performance-based evaluation of elected officials. A growing chorus of young Nigerians have also taken to X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram to echo Morayo’s sentiments, using the hashtag #LetHimTry to call for a six-month “trial run” by a political figure many believe is waiting in the wings.
As the nation digests the implications of Morayo Brown’s words, one thing is clear—her statement has struck a nerve. In a country where political allegiances often silence public figures, her boldness has reignited a much-needed conversation about leadership, accountability, and the true cost of political ambition. Whether President Tinubu responds to the post directly or through political action remains to be seen.
Meanwhile, Nigerians are watching. Closely.