Cameroon’s opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary has declared victory in the country’s presidential election, even though official results have yet to be announced.
In a nearly five-minute video posted on social media early Tuesday, the former government spokesman announced that he had won Sunday’s election and urged President Paul Biya, the 92-year-old incumbent and Africa’s longest-serving leader, to concede defeat.
“The people have chosen, and this choice must be respected,” Tchiroma said in the video, filmed in his northern hometown of Garoua, with the national flag behind him. “I call on President Biya to honour the truth of the ballot box and congratulate me as the elected president of our republic.”
Tchiroma’s declaration comes despite a clear warning from the government that only the Constitutional Council has the legal authority to announce the results. The council has up to two weeks to make its official pronouncement.
Earlier, Minister of Territorial Administration Paul Atanga Nji cautioned that any attempt to proclaim results outside official channels would amount to “high treason.”
Tchiroma, who served as Minister of Communication and a close ally of Biya for more than 20 years, resigned from government in June to launch an independent campaign. His rallies in major cities drew large crowds, and he won support from a coalition of opposition parties and civil society groups — making him the strongest challenger to Biya’s decades-long rule.
In his video message, Tchiroma thanked rival candidates “who have already congratulated me and recognised the will of the people,” describing the election outcome as “a clear sanction” of President Biya’s long tenure.
“This marks the beginning of a new era,” he said. “I call on all government institutions and the military to respect the people’s choice and stand on the side of the republic. Do not let anyone divert you from your mission to protect the nation.”
Despite Tchiroma’s confident tone, most analysts believe President Biya, who has ruled Cameroon since 1982 remains in a strong position to retain power. His dominance over the state machinery, media, and electoral process, as well as divisions within the opposition, make a handover of power unlikely without official confirmation.
Under Cameroon’s election law, polling station results may be posted locally, but only the Constitutional Council can validate and publish the national result. According to the Reuters news agency, the final announcement must be made by October 26.
As the nation awaits the official results, tension remains high. Supporters of Tchiroma are celebrating what they call a “victory for democracy,” while government officials have called for calm and respect for the constitutional process.
For now, Cameroon stands at a political crossroads between the familiar rule of President Paul Biya, in power for 43 years, and the self-declared triumph of Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who insists the country has chosen change.
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