The National Union for Democracy and Progress (NUDP) presidential candidate, Bello Bouba Maigari, carried his campaign trail to Bamenda on Saturday, September 6, 2025, pledging peace, dignity, and prosperity for the people of the North West region as Cameroon heads to the polls on October 12.
Speaking at a sensitization rally at the Jua Hotel in Bamenda, the former Minister of Tourism and Leisure and long-standing NUDP National President praised the resilience of the Northwest, describing Bamenda as a “city of courage and history” that has been central to Cameroon’s democratic journey.
“Bamenda is not just any city,” Maigari declared to a cheering crowd. “It is here that reunification was spearheaded in 1955, and it is here that the fight for multiparty democracy was reignited in 1991. You are the beating heart of our democracy.”
The candidate invoked the memory of Northwest icons such as Dr. John Ngu Foncha, Hon. Augustine Jua, John Fru Ndi, and Cardinal Christian Tumi, saying their legacy is proof that “the resilience of this region can change history.”
A New Chapter for the Northwest
Maigari promised a new political chapter for the conflict-hit Northwest, which he said has suffered too long from neglect, insecurity, and economic stagnation. His campaign pillars, peace, dignity, and prosperity were laid out in bold terms.
On peace, the visiting 2025 presidential candidate committed to broad consultations with stakeholders in the region and announced his readiness to open dialogue with separatist leaders to secure lasting stability. He further proposed a “special status” for the Northwest that would respect its educational, legal, and administrative specificities.
On dignity, he pledged to restore national recognition of the Northwest’s historical and cultural contributions.
“You are not forgotten,” he told the crowd. “You are the heart of Cameroon.”
On prosperity, Maigari outlined concrete projects, including the rehabilitation of the Ring Road, creation of an agro-industrial park to process farm products, investment in education and entrepreneurship, expansion of healthcare access, and the development of renewable energy projects such as a micro-hydropower plant on the Menchum River.
“The Northwest is not condemned to conflict,” he emphasized. “It is destined for greatness.”
Party Endorsements and Defections
The rally, organized by Che Henry Ngang, Divisional Federation President of NUDP in Mezam, also served to mobilize militants ahead of the polls and to encourage voters to withdraw their voter cards.
Several NUDP officials, including members of the political bureau, women’s and youth wings, and regional coordinators, were present, underscoring the party’s organizational strength.
In a dramatic moment, Mbache James, former Divisional Coordinator of the Cameroon Party for National Reconciliation (PCRN) in Menchum, publicly announced his resignation from his party and declared his defection to the NUDP, along with his entire bureau.
“After listening to Bello Bouba’s manifesto, I discovered it carries the ingredients of the nation we all want to live in,” James said.
Eye on October 12
The Bamenda rally comes just over a month before Cameroonians cast their ballots in what is expected to be one of the most competitive presidential elections in recent history.
Bello Bouba Maigari, who was unanimously endorsed by the NUDP Central Committee in July, is positioning his candidacy as a bridge of hope, especially for Anglophone regions gripped by years of conflict.
“When we see you, we see hope,” Che Henry Ngang told the candidate. “You are destined to rewrite Cameroon’s history with dignity and justice.”
Concluding his address, Bello Bouba Maigari called on the people of the Northwest to seize the moment: “In 37 days, your voices will decide the future of Cameroon. Let us believe again, let us rise again, and let us act together to build the Cameroon we all deserve.”
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