By Betrand Ntumnyuy —

Opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary, head of the Front for the National Salvation of Cameroon (FSNC) and presidential hopeful, brought his campaign to the South West regional capital of Buea on Sunday, October 5, 2025, where he called on Cameroonians—especially the youth—to seize what he described as a rare opportunity for political change.

Fresh from a visit to Bamenda, North West Region, where he publicly apologized to Anglophone Cameroonians for his past defense of government actions during the Anglophone crisis, Tchiroma told supporters in Buea that this election could be decisive for Cameroon’s future. “If you miss change now, it may only happen in over 20 years again when many of us will not be around,” he said.

The rally, however, was not without controversy. Tchiroma complained that he had been denied access to use the main stadium in Buea for his gathering, noting that a similar incident occurred during his campaign stop in Yaoundé. “They refused us access to the stadium, just as they did in Yaoundé,” he told the cheering crowd.

Undeterred, the FSNC leader sharpened his message against what he described as the greed and entrenchment of those in power. “Look at the fat bank accounts of those who don’t want to let go of power,” he declared, urging the youth to act decisively at the ballot box on October 12.

He went further to challenge young Cameroonians not only to vote but to protect their ballots. “The youths should not only vote, but stay on at the polling stations to defend their votes,” Tchiroma insisted. He warned that he would not accept election results that do not reflect the actual will of the people, adding boldly: “Nobody can arrest me.”

Tchiroma’s campaign has been marked by strong rhetoric, apologies, and a push to reconnect with regions hardest hit by the Anglophone conflict. In Bamenda the previous day, he admitted that his past role as Minister of Communication—where he defended government narratives on the crisis—had “hurt” Anglophones and asked for forgiveness.

Today, Sunday, October 5, 2025, the FSNC leader is expected to continue his campaign trail in Limbe, still within Fako Division of the South West Region. His message remains focused on political renewal, accountability, and the empowerment of young people.

As the October 12 presidential election approaches, Tchiroma is positioning himself as a bold alternative to Cameroon’s long-standing leadership. Whether his apologies and fiery calls for youth engagement will translate into votes remains to be seen.

Who is Issa Tchiroma Bakary?

Name: Issa Tchiroma Bakary
Born: 1949, Garoua, North Region of Cameroon
Profession: Engineer, Politician

* Former Minister: Tchiroma served as Cameroon’s Minister of Communication under President Paul Biya, where he became one of the government’s most visible spokesmen. During the height of the Anglophone crisis, he defended the government’s actions, often dismissing accusations of abuses—positions he has recently apologized for.

* Political Party: He is the President of the Front for the National Salvation of Cameroon (FSNC), a party he founded in 2007 after breaking away from the National Union for Democracy and Progress (NUDP). The FSNC describes itself as a centrist party with a focus on national unity, development, and social justice.

* Parliamentary Influence: Though relatively small compared to the ruling CPDM, the FSNC has had representation in Cameroon’s National Assembly and municipal councils.

* Presidential Candidate 2025: Tchiroma is running in the October 12, 2025 presidential election, presenting himself as a candidate of reconciliation, reform, and prosperity. His campaign emphasizes youth empowerment, electoral transparency, and institutional reform.

* Key Promise: To decentralize power, promote inclusiveness, and ensure that the voices of marginalized communities—including Anglophones—are recognized in Cameroon’s governance.