By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
President Paul Biya has officially declared his candidacy for the upcoming Presidential Elections, scheduled for October 12, 2025. The 93-year-old leader, who has been in power for 42 years, announced his decision via a tweet on July 13, stating simply, “I am a candidate.”
Paul Biya announced his candidacy in the same manner as he did in 2018.
In his declaration, President Biya indicated he had “heeded the numerous and insistent calls from the ten regions of the country and from the diaspora.” He further stressed his commitment to the nation, acknowledging the “pressing challenges” facing Cameroon.
“My determination to serve the country is commensurate with the serious challenges facing Cameroonians,” Biya stated. He added, “The well-being of our youth and women will be at the heart of my priorities. Together, there are no challenges we cannot meet. The best is still to come.”
President Biya’s announcement adds his name to a growing list of declared candidates. These include Joshua Osih of the SDF, Professor Maurice Kamto of the CRM, Cabral Libii of the PCRN, Bello Bouba Maïgari of the UNDP, Issa Tchiroma Bakary of the FNSP, and Barrister Akere Muna, among others.
As the long-serving leader seeks to maintain his grip on power, he faces the daunting task of addressing growing discontent among citizens.
