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Cameroonian opposition figure Issa Tchiroma Bakary has proclaimed himself the victor of the country’s presidential election, asserting a sweeping win and urging the incumbent, President Paul Biya, to concede defeat and oversee a peaceful transfer of power.
In a nationwide broadcast on Wednesday, Tchiroma announced that his campaign had gathered reports from polling centres and cross-checked them with field operatives. According to him, the findings revealed he had obtained “more than 50% of the valid votes.”
He framed the outcome as a decisive rejection of the current government, calling on Biya to “show courage and humility” by recognising the people’s choice and ensuring a calm transition.
“Such a repudiation of the outgoing president should, in the name of democracy and our customs, prompt him to call the winner, offer congratulations, and signal his readiness to organise a peaceful transition. Sadly, that does not appear to be his inclination,” Tchiroma declared.
Although the official election results have not been released, Tchiroma maintained that his legitimacy rested on “two levers” — the overwhelming will of the people and Article 113 of the Electoral Code, which he said empowers candidates to publish results independently.
“Undeniably, these two levers make me the lawful and legitimate President of the Republic,” he affirmed.
Tchiroma also issued a stern warning to the Constitutional Council, cautioning that any attempt to announce “falsified or tampered results” would be tantamount to participating in electoral fraud.
“The Cameroonian people — by an overwhelming majority — will never accept the Council validating ballot-rigging on an historic scale,” he warned.
His declaration has ignited unrest across several regions, particularly in Garoua, where supporters have taken to the streets for a second consecutive day, demanding transparency and justice in the vote count.
Calling for calm but determined action, Tchiroma urged citizens at home and abroad to engage in peaceful protests aimed at reclaiming what he described as their “stolen mandate.”
“Let us create a great peaceful wave to show the world that the people have had enough and want their freedom,” he appealed.
Despite Tchiroma’s assertions, preliminary figures indicate that President Biya remains in the lead, with the official results expected on Thursday.
The escalating tension has triggered clashes between demonstrators and security forces. Authorities have imposed strict measures to contain the situation, including mass arrests and bans on public gatherings.
In Garoua, officials confirmed that at least 20 protesters were detained on October 21 and are slated to face military trial for alleged incitement and public disorder, according to Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji.
In the Menoua division of western Cameroon, local authorities have introduced emergency restrictions, prohibiting public demonstrations, movement, motorcycle operations, and the sale of bottled fuel — measures effective from October 21 until further notice.
