Cameroon’s Opposition Leader Declares Election Victory Amid Tensions

Sat Oct 25 2025 15:57:42 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Issa Tchiroma Bakary, former spokesperson for Paul Biya, claims victory in the recent presidential elections in Cameroon while warning against election fraud.

In a significant political turnaround, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, a long-time government ally turned opposition leader, announced he has won the presidential elections held on October 12 in Cameroon. Despite the ruling party, led by incumbant Paul Biya, contesting his declaration, Bakary insists he won't accept a stolen election, challenging the status quo in a region beset by political and social unrest.

Cameroon's opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who has declared himself the winner of the 12 October elections, has told the BBC that he will not accept a stolen vote, with the results due to be announced on Monday.

He says his team has compiled the overall picture based on results from individual polling stations, so there is no doubt.

Tchiroma Bakary, 76, is a former government minister who broke ranks with President Paul Biya, 92, who is seeking another term after 43 years in power.

The ruling party has dismissed Tchiroma Bakary's victory claims and several officials have described it as illegal because only the Constitutional Council can proclaim official results.

In an interview at his home, in the northern city of Garoua, Tchiroma Bakary said he had urged his supporters to defend their votes.

We will never accept their votes being stolen by anyone, he said, dressed in a long, flowing white and gold tunic.

The former minister said he was not concerned about being arrested or put in jail, but I know that I have already won the presidential election.

There is no doubt, no shadow of doubt whatsoever. My victory is undeniable, he said, appearing placid and resolute throughout the conversation.

Tchiroma Bakary has previously said he won the election with about 55% of the vote, based on returns representing 80% of the electorate.

Asked whether he would accept defeat if someone else is declared the winner, he said he would agree provided the Constitutional Council announces the results that comes from the ballot box, not ballot stuffing.

Tensions over the delayed announcement of the election results have been growing, sparking fears of post-electoral violence in a country already rocked by a separatist conflict in the Anglophone regions and Boko Haram insurgency in the Far North region.

In Garoua, a general feeling of uncertainty lingers following protests earlier this week. Security forces patrol the streets during the night, although their presence in the day time has decreased.

The highly respected and influential Catholic Church in Cameroon this week urged calm following fears that violence could erupt once official results are declared.

Born in Garoua, Tchiroma Bakary trained as an engineer in France before returning to Cameroon to work for the national railway company. He became an MP for the opposition UNDP in 1992 but entered an alliance of sorts with Biya and served as his minister of transport for four years, later serving as communications minister.

However, in June, just four months before the general elections, Tchiroma Bakary changed course dramatically, resigning from the government and announcing he would run against Biya for the presidency.

As communications minister and the government's spokesperson, he resolutely defended Biya's government during crises such as the Boko Haram insurgency. But he claims the ruling party had their backs against the wall and could not accept the reality of the vote.

Despite mixed opinions about his candidacy, Tchiroma Bakary remains a figure seen by many as a symbol of change, drawing huge crowds at his rallies amid dissatisfaction with Biya's long tenure.