By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
In a surprising move following the October 12 Presidential Election, opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary declared himself the winner, urging incumbent President Paul Biya to concede.
His announcement, made on October 14, 2025, has heightened tensions as the country awaits official results from the October 12 polls.
Tchiroma, a seasoned politician, claims his internal tallies indicate a decisive victory, despite warnings from authorities about premature declarations, which are typically announced by the constitutional council.
His bold claim reflects similar scenarios in other African nations, raising concerns about potential political instability.
The declaration puts pressure on both the electoral process and President Biya, Africa’s second-longest-serving leader at 92 years old.
Critics of Biya’s four-decade rule cite governance and human rights issues, suggesting Tchiroma’s move aims to rally support against potential electoral manipulation.
The government has yet to respond to Tchiroma’s claims, reiterating that only the constitutional council can declare the official winner.
Previous elections in Cameroon have faced allegations of irregularities, a concern Tchiroma’s statement brings back into focus.
However, the international community is closely monitoring the situation, calling for calm and respect for democratic processes. The coming days will be critical in shaping Cameroon’s political landscape.
