Cameroon Opposition Candidate Tchiroma Declares Victory Ahead of Official Election Results

Tension mounts in Cameroon as opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary claims a clear win and urges President Paul Biya to step down after more than four decades in power.

Cameroon’s presidential race has taken a dramatic turn after opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary declared himself the winner of the 2025 Cameroonian presidential election, held on October 12. In a video statement released early Tuesday, Tchiroma called on President Paul Biya to concede defeat and “accept the truth of the ballot box,” warning that refusal could plunge the country into turmoil.

Official Results Still Pending

While Tchiroma has claimed a decisive victory, Elections Cameroon and the country’s Constitutional Council have yet to release official results. According to election regulations, results are expected no later than October 26. The early claim has intensified political tension, as opposition supporters celebrate while the ruling party rejects the announcement.

Ruling Party Rejects Opposition Claim

The ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) has dismissed Tchiroma’s declaration. Gregoire Owona, the party’s deputy secretary-general, stated that the opposition candidate “does not have official results from polling stations” and accused him of attempting to manipulate public opinion. The CPDM maintains confidence in President Biya’s long-standing electoral dominance.

Legal Warnings Over Premature Results

Ahead of the election, Paul Atanga Nji, Cameroon’s Minister of Territorial Administration, warned that any unauthorized publication of election results would be considered “high treason.” Under Cameroonian law, only the Constitutional Council can officially declare a winner. Tchiroma, however, insists he will soon present a detailed breakdown of regional votes.

A Defector Turned Challenger

Tchiroma’s candidacy has captured significant attention. Once a government spokesperson and minister under Biya, he resigned last year to run for president. His campaign gained momentum with large rallies and support from a coalition of opposition parties and civic groups, making him the strongest challenger to Biya’s decades-long rule.

A Veteran Leader Facing Unprecedented Pressure

At 92, Biya is currently the world’s oldest sitting president and has been in power since 1982 nearly half a century. His presidency has been marked by both political control and persistent challenges, including separatist conflicts in the Anglophone regions and systemic corruption. His leadership represents the only government many Cameroonians have ever known.

Divided Opposition Faces Uphill Battle

Despite Tchiroma’s strong campaign, analysts had predicted Biya’s victory due to the fragmented nature of the opposition. Eleven opposition candidates contested the presidency, but Biya’s strongest rival was barred from running in August, leaving the opposition weakened and disorganized. This fragmentation has historically benefitted the ruling party.

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A Nation with High Stakes

Cameroon, a nation of nearly 30 million people, held the election under a single-round voting system—meaning the candidate with the most votes automatically becomes president. Around 8 million voters were registered for the poll. Observers noted logistical challenges and security concerns, especially in regions affected by armed separatist movements.

Historical Echoes of 2018 Election

This year’s unfolding drama bears similarities to the 2018 Cameroonian presidential election, when opposition leader Maurice Kamto also claimed victory a day after the vote. His announcement led to mass protests, arrests, and a crackdown on dissent. Biya ultimately secured over 70% of the vote amid allegations of irregularities and low turnout.

Cameroon Awaits Official Results

As the country awaits the Constitutional Council’s official announcement, tensions remain high. Tchiroma’s claim could galvanize opposition supporters but also risks confrontation with security forces. The world is watching closely to see whether Cameroon will witness a peaceful transfer of power or a repeat of past electoral unrest.

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