Opposition leader independently proclaims election win, urging President Paul Biya to acknowledge defeat.
Published On 14 Oct 2025
Issa Tchiroma Bakary, a prominent opposition figure in Cameroon, has independently announced his victory in the recent presidential election.
In a nearly five-minute address shared on social media early Tuesday, Tchiroma called on the 92-year-old incumbent, President Paul Biya, to concede defeat, despite the absence of official election results.
“The will of the people is clear and must be honored,” Tchiroma asserted in his message.
Earlier this week, government officials emphasized that only the Constitutional Council holds the authority to declare official results, with a deadline of nearly two weeks to finalize the outcome.
Once a government spokesperson and a close ally of Biya for two decades, Tchiroma emerged as the leading challenger in Sunday’s election.
Following his resignation from the government in June, his campaign gained momentum, attracting significant crowds and endorsements from a coalition of opposition parties and civil society organizations.
Despite this, Biya-who has ruled for 43 years and is the world’s longest-serving head of state-was widely anticipated to secure another seven-year term, given his firm control over state institutions and the fragmented opposition landscape.
The government has yet to issue an official response to Tchiroma’s announcement.
Nonetheless, Paul Atanga Nji, the Minister of Territorial Administration, recently cautioned that only the Constitutional Council can validate the election winner, warning that any premature declaration could be deemed “high treason.”
According to Cameroon’s electoral regulations, preliminary results may be posted at individual polling stations, but the final tally must be ratified by the Constitutional Council, which has until October 26 to announce the official winner, Reuters reported.
Respect the Vote
Addressing supporters in his hometown of Garoua, with the national flag behind him, Tchiroma implored President Biya to “respect the integrity of the ballot” by conceding and extending congratulations.
He emphasized that such an act would demonstrate Cameroon’s political evolution and the robustness of its democratic institutions.
According to Tchiroma, the election outcome signals a decisive rebuke of Biya’s administration and heralds “the dawn of a new chapter.”
He also expressed gratitude to rival candidates who have already acknowledged his victory and accepted the popular mandate.
Furthermore, Tchiroma called on state institutions and the military to recognize his win and remain loyal to the republic.
“Do not allow anyone to distract you from your duty to safeguard the people,” he urged.
