In a dramatic assertion, Cameroon’s opposition candidate, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, declared himself the victor of the presidential election held on October 12. His early Tuesday (October 14, 2025) announcement called on President Paul Biya, who has governed the nation for more than four decades, to step aside.
“Our victory is undeniable; it must be honored,” Tchiroma stated in a Facebook video message. He urged President Biya to “accept the undeniable outcome of the vote” or risk “plunging the country into chaos.” As of now, neither Elections Cameroon, the independent electoral body, nor the constitutional court has released any official results. These are anticipated by October 26 at the latest.
However, President Biya’s ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) party swiftly dismissed Tchiroma’s claims on Tuesday (October 14, 2025).
Gregoire Owona, the deputy secretary-general of the CPDM, countered that the opposition candidate had not won and lacked access to official polling station results. Tchiroma, undeterred, promised to release a detailed regional breakdown of the votes in the coming days.
In a pre-election warning, Minister of Territorial Administration Paul Atanga Nji had cautioned that any premature release of results would be considered “high treason,” emphasizing that only the Constitutional Council is authorized to declare the official winner.
The 76-year-old opposition candidate, a former government spokesperson and Minister of Employment under President Biya, resigned from his post last year to launch his presidential bid. His campaign resonated with many, attracting large crowds and securing the support of a broad coalition of opposition parties and civic organizations.
Despite Tchiroma’s bold claim, analysts widely anticipated a victory for Mr. Biya, 92, primarily due to the fragmented nature of the opposition and the disqualification of his strongest rival in August. A total of eleven opposition candidates appeared on the ballot for the October 12 election.
President Biya holds the distinction of being the world’s oldest sitting President. He has maintained power since 1982, an astonishing nearly half of his lifetime, making him only Cameroon’s second President since gaining independence from France in 1960.
Throughout Mr. Biya’s long tenure, the Central African nation of almost 30 million has grappled with significant challenges. These include a violent secessionist movement in its western regions and pervasive corruption that has hindered national development, even with the country’s abundant natural resources like oil and minerals.
Approximately 8 million Cameroonians were eligible to cast their ballots in this election, which operates under a single-round system, awarding the presidency to the candidate who secures the most votes. The previous presidential election in 2018 also saw opposition leader Maurice Kamto declare victory prematurely, a day after the polls. His subsequent arrest led to widespread protests and the detention of numerous supporters.
In that 2018 election, Mr. Biya ultimately secured victory with over 70% of the vote, amidst accusations of irregularities and low voter participation.