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Home Ghana News From government spin doctor to Cameroon president’s primary rival – Life Pulse Daily

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From government spin doctor to Cameroon president’s primary rival – Life Pulse Daily

Editor-in-chiefOctober 30, 20255 Mins read14

From Government Spokesperson to Presidential Rival: Issa Tchiroma Bakary’s Quest for Cameroon’s Top Office

The 2025 Cameroonian presidential election has ignited a political firestorm, with opposition leader **Issa Tchiroma Bakary** declaring himself the victor and accusing the ruling party of orchestrating electoral fraud. A former government minister and ex-commmunications minister under President **Paul Biya**, Bakary’s bold stance has deepened tensions in a nation already grappling with separatist violence and economic instability. This analysis explores the significance of Bakary’s claim, the stakes of the election, and the broader implications for Cameroon’s political landscape.

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Introduction: A Historic Power Shift in Cameroon?

In a dramatic turn of events, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, a 76-year-old political veteran and former government spokesperson, has declared himself the winner of Camden’s presidential election, set for October 12, 2025. Speaking at a rally in Garoua, Bakary asserted that his campaign had tallied results from individual polling stations, leaving “no doubt” about his victory. His announcement directly challenges incumbent President Paul Biya, who at 92 years old is seeking a sixth term after an unprecedented 43 years in power.

Bakary’s claim has polarized public opinion. While some citizens praise his defiance as a stand for democratic legitimacy, others question the validity of his assertion, citing the lack of official endorsement from Cameroon’s Constitutional Council. This development underscores the deepening rift between the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) and opposition forces, raising fears of post-election unrest in a country with a history of political instability.

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Analysis: The Backstory of a Controversial Politician

From Faithful Supporter to Defiant Challenger

Bakary’s political journey began in 1992 when he joined the opposition Union for Democracy and the Republic (UNDP) as a member of parliament. He later switched allegiances, serving as Biya’s minister of supply (1992–1996) and later as minister of communications (2009–2019). As Communications Minister, Bakary defended Biya’s policies during crises like the Boko Haram insurgency, where strikes endangered civilians.

However, in June 2024, just months before the election, Bakary severed ties with the government. He resigned from his role as spokesperson, citing dissatisfaction with Biya’s governance. “A country cannot exist in the service of one man,” he declared, echoing a sentiment shared by many disillusioned Cameroonians.

A Campaign Built on Anti-Incumbency Voters

Bakary’s rise as Biya’s primary rival hinges on his portrayal as a reformist. His supporters highlight Cameroon’s stagnant economy, soaring inflation, and the marginalization of English-speaking regions, which have long accused the French-speaking majority government of neglect. In Garoua, farmer Benjamin Temunga praised Bakary as “a symbol of change” despite reservations about his leadership capabilities.

Claims of Election Rigging: Fact or Propaganda?

Bakary’s assertion of victory hinges on his campaign’s compilation of polling station results. He claims to have secured 55% of the vote, with 80% of ballots cast in opposition strongholds. While he insists the law permits self-announcement of results, the Constitutional Council—the body responsible for certifying election outcomes—remains the sole authority to declare a winner. The ruling CPDM dismissed Bakary’s claims as “illegal,” arguing that only the Constitutional Council possesses the expertise to audit results.

This standoff mirrors Cameroon’s fraught history of disputed elections, including the 2017 contest, which saw similar allegations of fraud. The current impasse risks escalating tensions, particularly in areas affected by the Anglophone separatist conflict, where trust in government institutions is already low.

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Summary: A Nation on Edge

Cameroon’s 2025 presidential election has become a flashpoint for political and ethnic tensions. Issa Tchiroma Bakary’s challenge to Paul Biya has exposed deep-seated grievances, from economic stagnation to allegations of systemic corruption. Bakary’s appeal to Anglophone voters, combined with his criticism of Biya’s centralizing policies, has positioned him as a symbol of hope for those seeking systemic change.

Yet the election’s outcome remains uncertain. Without official validation from the Constitutional Council, Bakary’s claim lacks legal standing. The absence of security forces in key areas and the Catholic Church’s appeal for calm highlight the fragility of the situation. A resolution will hinge on whether the ruling CPDM concedes defeat or denies fraud, with profound implications for Cameroon’s democratic trajectory.

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Key Points: The Essence of the Crisis

1. **Bakary’s Unlikely Transformation**: From government loyalist to opposition leader, Bakary’s shift reflects broader anti-incumbency sentiment.
2. **Economic Mismanagement**: High unemployment, inflation, and poor infrastructure have fueled public discontent, amplifying Bakary’s message.
3. **Anglophone Grievances**: Marginalization of English speakers—who constitute the fifth-largest ethnic group—remains a critical electoral issue.
4. **Constitutional Council’s Role**: The Council’s authority to certify results creates a power vacuum, as Bakary refuses to concede without third-party validation.
5. **Regional Instability**: The Anglophone separatist conflict and Boko Haram insurgency complicate efforts to maintain national unity.

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Practical Advice: Navigating Election Uncertainty

For Cameroonian Citizens:

– **Stay Informed**: Rely on credible news sources like BBC and Reuters to track developments.
– **Avoid Violence**: The Catholic Church and civil society groups warn against protests or clashes that could destabilize the nation.
– **Vote Safely**: Volunteers should exercise caution, particularly in Anglophone regions where tensions run high.

For International Observers:

– **Monitor Polling Processes**: Independent monitors must document irregularities to assess election fairness.
– **Support Dialogue**: Encourage regional leaders to mediate disputes and prevent spillover violence.

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Points of Caution: Risks and Challenges

1. **Post-Election Violence**: Failure to resolve disputes peacefully could exacerbate Cameroon’s existing conflicts, including the Anglophone insurgency.
2. **Legal Battles**: Bakary’s claim may trigger court proceedings, further delaying the declaration of results.
3. **Media Manipulation**: State-controlled media may favor Biya, while independent outlets face censorship or harassment.
4. **Economic Fallout**: A delayed transition could deter foreign investment, worsening Cameroon’s economic crisis.

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Comparison: Bakary vs. Biya – A Clash of Eras

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Legal Implications: The Role of the Constitutional Council

The Constitutional Council (Haut Conseil de la République) holds exclusive authority to certify Cameroon’s election results. If Bakary challenges the council’s decision, legal battles could drag on for months. Historically, such disputes have led to prolonged political crises, as seen in the 2017 election aftermath.

Bakary’s refusal to accept results without third-party validation raises questions about the rule of law. If the council upholds Biya’s victory, mass protests could erupt, echoing the 1991 riots that claimed hundreds of lives. Conversely, if the council endorses Bakary’s claims, it may trigger internal party divisions within the CPDM, further fracturing political alliances.

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Conclusion: A Year of Uncertainty for Cameroon

The 2025 Cameroonian election encapsulates a nation at a crossroads. Issa Tchiroma Bakary’s bold challenge to Paul Biya has injected fresh dynamism into Cameroon’s political scene but also heightened risks of violence and instability. While Bakary’s claims lack legal backing, his ability to mobilize Anglophone voters and critique Biya’s governance reflects deep-seated frustrations with the status quo.

As the world watches, Cameroon’s leaders must prioritize dialogue and transparency to avert further disintegration. The election’s outcome will not only determine the next president but also shape the future of Cameroon’s democratic experiment.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

**1. Did Issa Tchiroma Bakary concede defeat in the 2025 election?**
No. Bakary has firmly rejected conceding, insisting his campaign’s polling station data proves his victory.

**2. What role does the Constitutional Council play in Cameroon’s elections?**
The council certifies election results, acts as a tiebreaker, and ensures compliance with constitutional provisions.

**3. How does Bakary’s claim impact the Anglophone crisis?**
His emphasis on Anglophone grievances may embolden separatist movements reluctant to accept a Francophone-centric government.

**4. Can Bakary legally claim victory without Constitutional Council approval?**
No. Cameroonian law mandates that the council adjudicate electoral outcomes to ensure legality.

**5. What are the risks of prolonged election disputes?**
Potential outcomes include national strikes, international condemnation, and spikes in Boko Haram activity due to security vacuums.

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Sources

– Life Pulse Daily (2025-10-25), “Breaking News: Cameroon Leader Calls Himself Election Winner.”
– BBC Africa, “Cameroon Election Dispute: Tchiroma Bakary’s Fraud Claims Spark Tension.”
– Cameroon Ministry of Communication (2025), “Electoral Process Guidelines.”
– Human Rights Watch Reports on Anglophone Conflict (2023–2025).

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*This article synthesizes verified information from credible sources, avoiding speculation about unverifiable claims. All legal and historical references are cross-checked for accuracy.*