Cameroon’s 92-year-old President Paul Biya, Africa’s second-longest-serving leader, is facing a significant political challenge ahead of the October 2025 presidential election. Two of his former close allies, Bello Bouba Maigari and Issa Tchiroma Bakary, have declared their candidacies, signaling a potential shift in the nation’s political landscape.
Bello Bouba Maigari, 78, a seasoned politician and leader of the National Union for Democracy and Progress (UNDP), announced his candidacy after resigning from his position as Minister of Tourism and Leisure. His decision follows a growing call from UNDP militants for a candidate to challenge the current administration. Maigari’s move is seen as a response to widespread dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of national issues, including governance and corruption.
Issa Tchiroma Bakary, 75, former Minister of Employment and Vocational Training, also resigned from his ministerial role to enter the presidential race. Tchiroma, who has held various government positions since 1992, expressed his intention to lead the country toward federalism, emphasizing youth employment, education, and agricultural modernization. His candidacy reflects a desire for change and a break from the current administration’s policies.
These developments mark a significant departure from the longstanding political alliance between Biya’s Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) and northern political elites. Both Maigari and Tchiroma hail from the northern regions, which have traditionally been strongholds for the ruling party. Their decisions to run against Biya suggest a potential realignment of political forces within the country.
The UNDP, under Maigari’s leadership, has been a coalition partner with the CPDM, delivering votes from the northern regions in previous elections. However, internal dissatisfaction has been growing, with calls for a candidate to represent the party’s interests in the upcoming election. Similarly, Tchiroma’s departure from the government and entry into the race indicate a desire for a new direction and leadership.
As the election approaches, the political climate in Cameroon is becoming increasingly dynamic. The emergence of these new candidates challenges the status quo and reflects a broader desire for change among the electorate. With Biya yet to announce his candidacy, the political landscape remains fluid, and the upcoming election is poised to be a pivotal moment in Cameroon’s history.
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