Paul Biya’s 8th Term Bid Tests Cameroon’s Future.

Cameroon's Biya vies for eighth term, former spokesperson challenging him

In Central Africa, a long-standing political narrative is reaching a pivotal moment. Cameroon’s 92-year-old President Paul Biya is running for his eighth term in the October 12, 2025, election. If he wins, he would govern until nearly 100 years old, making him the world’s oldest sitting head of state.

For over 43 years, Biya has played a central role in Cameroon’s political scene, celebrated by supporters as a symbol of stability and criticized by opponents as a sign of stagnation. However, this election introduces a new tension, as his former spokesperson, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, has defected from the government to challenge the system he once supported.

A Presidency That Defines a Nation

Biya’s long rule began in 1982, following Ahmadou Ahidjo's resignation. Since then, he has outlasted seven U.S. presidents, five French leaders, and many African leaders. Under the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM), the country has experienced relative peace compared to some of its neighbors. Still, many argue that this has come at the expense of political freedom and economic growth.

His administration highlights a track record of preserving national unity amid regional conflicts, especially the Anglophone crisis in the northwest and southwest, where separatist tensions have led to years of deadly clashes. Biya has presented himself as the steady leader holding together a fragile mosaic of ethnic and linguistic communities.

Yet beneath that surface of control lies unrest. Critics accuse his government of suppressing dissent, limiting media freedom, and centralizing power excessively. Many young Cameroonians, especially those under 25, see his decades-long leadership as an obstacle to their future.

A Low-Key Campaign and Lingering Health Questions

Biya’s 2025 campaign remains notably subdued. His appearances are rare, his speeches are short, and his movements are tightly controlled. At a recent rally in Maroua, in the far north of the country, he acknowledged public frustration over poor roads, inconsistent power, and unemployment, promising that “these difficulties can be overcome.”

But questions about his health and vitality have never been louder. Government officials have gone as far as to ban public speculation about his condition. Despite official denials, his long absences from the public eye and reliance on pre-recorded addresses have only fueled rumors that a proxy is running Cameroon.

Still, Biya remains a master of political survival. In 2008, he removed term limits through a constitutional change, allowing himself to run indefinitely. Every election since has resulted in victory, each shadowed by accusations of electoral fraud, which his government consistently dismisses as unfounded.

The Defector Turned Challenger: Issa Tchiroma Bakary

Enter Issa Tchiroma Bakary, a passionate speaker and former Minister of Employment who once served as Biya’s loyal spokesperson. In June 2025, he shocked the political world by resigning from the ruling party and launching his own presidential campaign.

His rallies, often crowded with young supporters, have energized cities like Douala and Yaoundé. Standing before a crowd of cheering citizens, he condemns the government’s mismanagement of Cameroon’s vast natural resources, including oil, cocoa, and timber, arguing that corruption and poor governance have left ordinary citizens impoverished.

“All Cameroonians are fed up with their management,” Tchiroma declared at a campaign stop in Bafoussam. “We are rich in resources, yet poor in living. That must end.”

His message resonates with a population increasingly tired of a ruling elite seen as out of touch with everyday struggles. For many, Tchiroma’s defection symbolizes not just political rebellion but moral courage.

A Fragmented Opposition and the Weight of History

While Tchiroma’s campaign has sparked fresh energy into the race, analysts warn that his route to victory remains challenging. Cameroon’s rural power structures, which Biya’s patronage network has long controlled, continue to support the ruling CPDM, as well as the divided opposition, comprising 12 presidential candidates and a lack of a unified front, further advantaging Biya.

The election follows a first-past-the-post system, so there will be no runoff. The candidate with the most votes, regardless of how slim that margin, is declared the winner of the presidency. Official results are expected within 15 days of the election.

Observers from the African Union and European Union are expected to oversee the process, although hopes for significant reform remain low.

“This is not just an election,” says political analyst Dr. Alain Ewane. “It’s a referendum on the idea of change itself. Can Cameroon imagine a future beyond Biya?”

The Youth Divide: A Country at a Crossroads

Cameroon’s demographic reality is striking: nearly 70% of its citizens are under 30, most of whom have known only one leader, Biya. For this generation, issues like job creation, digital innovation, and affordable education take precedence over old slogans of stability.

Social media has become a battleground for ideas. Hashtags like #BiyaMustRest and #TimeForChange trend daily, as young voters express frustration with what they see as a political elite clinging to power.

Still, others worry that a sudden political shift could trigger instability in a country already struggling with ethnic tensions and economic pressures. For them, Biya’s long tenure, though flawed, provides stability in uncertain times.

What’s at Stake

As October 12 nears, Cameroon stands at a crucial crossroads. Will voters opt for stability under a familiar, aging leader or take a risk on change, represented by a defector-turned-dissident?

For Biya, this election could cement his legacy as one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders. For Tchiroma and his followers, it’s a chance to redefine that legacy completely.

Either way, the outcome will have a profound impact, extending well beyond Cameroon’s borders and shaping the world's perception of democracy and leadership renewal in Africa.

“Cameroon has the resources, talent, and spirit to reinvent itself,” Tchiroma told supporters. “What it needs now is the courage to begin.”

Whether that courage endures or Biya’s political dominance stretches into a fifth decade remains uncertain. However, one thing is clear: in 2025, the eyes of Africa are squarely on Cameroon, watching as the longest-serving president in history confronts the challenges of time and change.

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