The president of the FSNC, Issa Tchiroma, has in a video declared himself the winner of the 2025 October 12 presidential election, claiming an overwhelming victory from the people and urging for a peaceful transfer of power.
After his massive votes on October 12, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, former minister and opposition leader, has thrown Cameroon presidential election into a new phase of uncertainty by declaring himself the winner, just few day after polls closed. Issa Tchiroma Bakary, leader of the Cameroon National Salvation Front (FSNC), in a video released October 15, confidently announced an overwhelming victory in the October 12 presidential election.
Speaking to the nation in a tense political moment, the former minister praised his supporters for their courage and determination. He said he had seen citizens braving threats and intimidation to defend the truth of the vote, an act he promised would be forever engraved in our nation memory. This bold claim comes at a time when ELECAM, has not released any official results. The election was marked by allegations of irregularities in several regions.
Despite the lack of official data, Tchiroma insisted the outcome was clear and irreversible, calling the election a plebiscite in favour of change. He promised to soon publish a detailed report of vote counts from polling stations, using his right under the electoral code. He then placed the responsibility on the current regime, warning of two paths. « Either it shows its greatness by accepting the truth of the vote, or it plunges the country into turmoil that will leave an indelible scar » he stated.
In a significant move, Tchiroma appealed directly to the country defence and security forces. He urged them to remain on the side of the Republic and the people, not of power, and to stay true to their mission of protecting citizens, not a regime. He also claimed that other opposition candidates had already congratulated him, suggesting the beginning of a new era of unity. Striking a patriotic tone, Tchiroma framed the moment as a national turning point.
This victory is not that of a man or a party. It is the victory of a people. It is the victory of Cameroon, he declared. He concluded by calling for calm and reconciliation, asking the current authorities to make a gesture of political maturity by acknowledging his victory. « The world is watching. History is watching, » he said.
According to Cameroon electoral laws, the Constitutional Council has until October 26 to announce the final, official results. The nation now waits to see if Tchiroma’s declared victory will be confirmed or contested.
MINAT Responds to Issa Tchiroma’s Declaration
The Minister of Territorial Administration has issued a strong response to opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma’s self-declaration of victory in the October 12 presidential election. The ministry condemned what it called an “imposture” and violation of electoral laws, asserting that Tchiroma’s action was part of a premeditated plan to disrupt the electoral process.
The government emphasized that the electoral process will continue according to legal provisions, with the Constitutional Council remaining the sole authority to proclaim final results. The ministry cited reports from over 5,000 accredited observers indicating the election proceeded without major incidents, while warning that Tchiroma’s irresponsible attitude would be dealt with firmly in due course.
Public order would be maintained across the national territory to ensure the process reaches its proper conclusion.
