Cameroon’s opposition leader, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, has announced that he has won the country’s presidential election, even though official results have not yet been released.
Tchiroma made the declaration late Monday following the October 12 election, calling on President Paul Biya to accept defeat and “respect the truth of the ballot box.”
His statement was shared in a nearly five-minute video posted on his Facebook page early Tuesday.
Speaking from his hometown of Garoua in northern Cameroon, Issa Tchiroma insisted that his victory was undeniable.
“Our victory is clear. It must be respected. The people have chosen. And this choice must be respected,” he said.
Despite his claim, the government has maintained that only the Constitutional Council can announce the winner.
The council has up to two weeks until October 26 to release the final results.
Tchiroma, 76, once a close ally of Biya and a government spokesman for two decades, emerged as Biya’s main challenger after resigning from the administration in June.
His campaign attracted massive rallies and gained backing from opposition parties and civic groups.
Still, Biya, who has ruled for 43 years and is currently the world’s oldest serving head of state at 92, is widely expected to retain power due to his control over government structures and a divided opposition.
At the time of filing this report, there has been no official reaction from the government to Tchiroma’s announcement.
However, Minister of Territorial Administration Paul Atanga Nji warned that any unauthorized declaration of results would be treated as “high treason,” emphasizing that only the Constitutional Council has the authority to declare the winner.
Under Cameroon’s electoral law, preliminary results can be displayed at polling stations, but the outcome must be validated by the Constitutional Council.
In his video message, filmed in front of the national flag, Tchiroma urged Biya to acknowledge the election outcome and congratulate him, saying such a gesture would demonstrate “political maturity” and strengthen Cameroon’s democracy.
The 76-year-old described the results as “a clear rejection” of Biya’s rule and “the beginning of a new era.”
Tchiroma also expressed gratitude to rival candidates who had, according to him, already recognized his victory.
“I also thank candidates who have already sent me their congratulations and recognised the will of the people.
“We have placed the regime before its responsibilities: either it shows greatness by accepting the truth of the ballot box, or it chooses to plunge the country into turmoil that will leave an indelible scar in the heart of our nation,” he warned
Issa Tchiroma called on state institutions and the military to accept the will of the people and remain loyal to the republic.
There was outrage after 91-year-old Cameroon’s President, Paul Biya announced that he will run for an eighth term in this October 2025 election.
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