Cameroon opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary has claimed victory in the country’s 2025 presidential election.
This is as the Cameroon opposition candidate urged long-ruling President Paul Biya to gracefully step aside and honor the voters’ will.
The declaration, made via a social media video, comes just two days after Sunday’s polls and has ignited discussions across the country, where Biya’s 43-year grip on power is facing its most spirited challenge yet.
Tchiroma, the 76-year-old leader of the Front for the National Salvation of Cameroon (FSNC) and a former government minister, framed his announcement as a “clear sanction” against Biya’s administration.
“Our victory is clear. It must be respected,” Tchiroma said in a speech on his Facebook page from his hometown of Garoua in the north of the Central African state. “The people have chosen. And this choice must be respected.”
Tchiroma praised voters for defying intimidation and staying at polling stations late into the night to protect their ballots.
The Cameroon opposition candidate also pledged to release a detailed region-by-region breakdown of tally sheets compiled from polling stations
“I also thank candidates who have already sent me their congratulations and recognised the will of the people,” Tchiroma said.
“We have placed the regime before its responsibilities: either it shows greatness by accepting the truth of the ballot box, or it chooses to plunge the country into turmoil that will leave an indelible scar in the heart of our nation.
“This victory is not that of one man, nor of one party. It is the victory of a people,” he said.
He also called on the military, security forces, and government administrators to remain loyal to the “republic, not the regime”.
However, President Biya’s Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (RDPC) swiftly dismissed the Cameroon opposition candidate’s claim of victory, labeling it premature and unfounded.
At 92, the world’s oldest serving head of state is seeking an eighth term, having secured over 70% in past elections. Biya, who has ruled since 1982, cast his vote quietly on election day, with state media portraying a calm process despite reports of scattered irregularities from international observers.
Also, Cameroon’s Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, warned over the weekend that any unilateral publication of results would be considered “high treason,” adding that only the Constitutional Council has the authority to announce the winner.
“This crooked candidate is attempting to implement a cleverly planned diabolical plan with his occult networks at home and abroad aimed at setting Cameroon ablaze,” Atanga Nji said in a statement.
Recall that during the last presidential election in 2018, the then Cameroon opposition leader Maurice Kamto claimed victory a day after the vote. He was later arrested, leading to protests and dozens of his supporters being detained.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that the Cameroon opposition candidate, Tchiroma, was once a staunch defender of Biya’s policies as communications minister.
He resigned in June after two decades in government, pivoting to lead an opposition coalition under the Union for Change banner.
His candidacy was backed by Barre rival Maurice Kamto’s supporters. Tchiroma’s candidacy also generated unexpected enthusiasm.
Analysts explained that his promise of institutional audits and reforms was a key draw for youth and citizens in the country.
Meanwhile, the result of Cameroon’s presidential election is expected to be announced on October 26.
Cameroon’s single-round electoral system awards the presidency to the candidate with the most votes. More than 8 million people were registered to vote in the election.
