Historian Prof. Victor Julius Ngoh Endorses Issa Tchiroma, Calls for “Voters’ Coalition” to Defeat CPDM
Renowned historian and public intellectual Prof. Victor Julius Ngoh has made a bold political declaration ahead of Cameroon’s October 12 presidential election, openly endorsing Issa Tchiroma Bakary of the FSNC as the candidate capable of uniting the opposition and steering the country toward genuine change.
In a statement released on Saturday September 28, 2025, Prof. Ngoh said the upcoming presidential election represents “a political crossroad” for Cameroonians who must decide whether they want a strong, viable, and truly democratic country or continued decline under the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM).
“For 43 uninterrupted years, the party in power has failed to provide basic necessities and security for Cameroonians,” Prof. Ngoh said. “The ills of corruption, embezzlement, negative tribalism, and abject neglect have brought our country to the brink.”
Union for Change Backing
Prof. Ngoh revealed that a coalition of more than 60 political parties, associations, and civil society organizations dubbed the 2025 Union for Change had been working for months to identify a single opposition candidate around whom the people could rally.
Despite appeals to all 11 opposition hopefuls, only Issa Tchiroma responded positively, accepting what Ngoh called “the People’s Platform” a detailed roadmap that includes a transitional government of three to five years, constitutional and institutional reforms, and the resolution of the armed conflict in the North West and South West regions.
“At a time when Cameroonians desperately needed someone to lead them to achieve their goal, Issa Tchiroma stood up,” the historian wrote. “He is not a saint, none of us are but his honesty in recognizing past mistakes and his willingness to apologize are praiseworthy. Like Saul who became Paul, Issa Tchiroma can be the unexpected leader Cameroon needs.”
Rebukes Divided Opposition
Prof. Ngoh was scathing in his assessment of the rest of the opposition, accusing them of failing to rise to the moment. “The inability of the 11 opposition candidates to agree on a single candidate is a betrayal of the Cameroonian people’s desire for change,” he said.
He warned that without a united front, votes would be scattered and the CPDM would again retain power despite growing public frustration.
Call to Action
Prof. Ngoh’s endorsement of Tchiroma was unequivocal:
“I, without reservation, endorse the candidacy of Issa Tchiroma for President of the Republic of Cameroon and call on the vast majority of Cameroonians who want change to massively support and vote for the candidacy of Issa Tchiroma of the FSNC. Let us form a ‘Voters’ Coalition’ and lead Issa Tchiroma, the People’s Choice, to victory.”
High Stakes Ahead of October 12
Just two weeks before election day, Prof. Ngoh’s statement adds fresh momentum to Tchiroma’s campaign, which has positioned itself as the only credible alternative to President Paul Biya and the CPDM machinery.
Analysts say the endorsement could boost Tchiroma’s credibility, particularly among urban voters and the youth, who are seen as key to swinging the outcome.
Whether the historian’s call for a “Voters’ Coalition” will translate into a unified anti-CPDM vote remains to be seen, but his intervention underscores the sense of urgency many feel about the 2025 race, widely regarded as one of the most decisive in Cameroon’s post-independence history.
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