Opposition Unites Behind Issa Tchiroma Bakary as Presidential Challenger

Yaoundé, Sept. 13, 2025 - Cameroon’s fragmented opposition coalesced Saturday in Yaoundé, naming veteran politician Issa Tchiroma Bakary as their consensus candidate to challenge President Paul Biya in the October 12 election.

A week before official campaign launches, opposition leaders convened under the Union for Change 2025 umbrella to address past divisions and pool resources behind a single nominee. The move aims to boost competitiveness against the long-serving incumbent.

Nut Graf

After months of multiparty bickering and weak individual showings in recent polls, opposition factions agreed that uniting around a single figure was critical to presenting a credible alternative to Cameroon’s ruling establishment. The selection of Tchiroma, once an insider-turned-critic, signals a strategic pivot to bridge regional and ideological divides.

Opposition Unification

• Eleven hopefuls were considered before delegates endorsed Tchiroma’s candidacy.
• Discussions continue on whether other contenders will formally withdraw or join campaign efforts.
• Organizers emphasized a spirit of “mutualizing energies” without mandating immediate dropouts.

Candidate Profile

Issa Tchiroma Bakary brings decades of political experience, including ministerial roles and a stint as government spokesperson. His tenure within state institutions has drawn both praise for administrative know-how and criticism for past alliances. Opposition strategists believe his insider credentials will resonate with voters disillusioned by both entrenched power and inexperienced upstarts.

Reactions and Next Steps

Party delegates hailed the decision as a historic breakthrough, yet observers caution that true unity depends on robust coordination and grassroots mobilization. Official campaign activities begin next week, with Tchiroma set to unveil his platform in Douala and Bamenda.

Other Notable Developments

• Social Democratic Party chairman Joshua Ossé reported on local campaign preparations at a national executive meeting in Yaoundé.
• Elections officials confirmed that 2025 voter cards will be available for collection by month’s end, aiming to ensure broad participation.
• Yaoundé traffic snarls persisted, prompting calls for improved commuter management in the capital.

Cameroon’s opposition, long hindered by fragmentation, now stakes its hopes on a consensus candidate to reshape the political landscape in October.