Cameroon’s upcoming presidential elections have sparked a surge of political activism, with voices across the Sahel and beyond urging voters to rally behind consensus candidate Issa Tchioroma Bakary.
Seen as a unifying figure capable of leading a transitional refoundation of the nation, Bakary’s candidacy is framed as a historic opportunity to break from decades of entrenched political control.
A message circulated by a committed Sahelo-African commentator emphasizes the critical moment facing the Cameroonian people: “You have a historic opportunity to take your destiny into your own hands, to free your country from more than 40 years of quasi-despotic management of the State and acute impoverishment of the population.”
The statement paints the ruling party, the RDPC, as increasingly exhausted and weakened, suggesting that President Paul Biya has long since ceded actual power. It warns that without change, governance risks being perpetuated by an “illegitimate clan” lacking social or political credibility.
The endorsement highlights Bakary’s selection as a “consensus candidate” to defend a program of national transition and refoundation. According to the statement, his candidacy embodies the aspirations of ordinary Cameroonians: a desire to overhaul public affairs, foster development, and secure social peace.
“Candidate Issa TCHIOROMA BAKARY…puts CAMEROON ABOVE ALL, TO REBUILD the country, clean up the management of public affairs, and give the Cameroonian people confidence in a possible future of shared prosperity and social peace,” the message reads.
The disqualification of opposition figure Maurice Kamto is framed as an opportunity to unite political factions behind Bakary.
Supporters argue that consolidating the vote around a single consensus candidate strengthens the likelihood of dismantling entrenched power structures, while sidelining so-called “lone rider” candidates who are unlikely to influence the outcome.
Bakary’s campaign positions him as the symbolic and practical vehicle for a renewed governance model, with supporters asserting that the electorate is poised to embrace him as the catalyst for systemic change. The coming weeks are expected to be decisive in shaping both the political alliances and voter momentum ahead of Cameroon’s pivotal elections.
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