October 12: PhD Student Tabifor Pride Publicly Backs Biya, Argues Incumbent Offers Stability, Continuity
As Cameroon heads toward its October 12, 2025, presidential election, Tabifor Pride Asongwe, a PhD student in philosophy and political science researcher at the University of Bamenda, has publicly endorsed President Paul Biya, describing him as “the best choice” to lead the nation.
In a detailed write-up titled Why Paul Biya is the Best Choice for 2025 Election, Asongwe argued that Biya’s decades of leadership have provided Cameroon with the stability necessary for authentic growth.
“Stability is the necessary substratum upon which progress unfolds,” he wrote, adding that Biya’s leadership strikes a balance between continuity and transformation.
According to Asongwe, Biya represents “the higher unity between permanence and change”, a quality he says the opposition lacks. He criticized opposition parties for failing to present a single coalition candidate, calling their divisions a sign of power struggles that risk destabilizing the country.
Asongwe also pointed to signs of strong youth support for Biya’s candidacy, citing the 40 million CFA francs raised by young CPDM supporters and the endorsement from FECAFOOT president Samuel Eto’o.
“Such energy shows that Paul Biya is the guarantor of Cameroon’s ontological stability,” he wrote.
Analysts and Opposition React
Political observers say endorsements from academics like Asongwe could help Biya solidify support among educated youth voters, a demographic that has been increasingly vocal about governance and reforms.
However, opposition leaders maintain that Biya’s long tenure has contributed to Cameroon’s political and economic challenges. A spokesperson for one of the opposition parties, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “What Cameroon needs is not more continuity but a peaceful transition of power. The youth deserve new leadership and fresh ideas to address unemployment, insecurity, and economic stagnation.”
Analyst Fokam Ngong, a Yaoundé-based political scientist, noted that endorsements often reflect deeper regional and generational divides. “This shows the CPDM still enjoys loyalty among some youth elites, particularly in the North West,” he said. “But the election will ultimately depend on turnout and whether opposition parties can mobilize beyond their internal disagreements.”
About Tabifor Pride Asongwe
Tabifor Pride Asongwe hails from Bamendankwe in the North West Region. He completed his primary education at Sacred Heart Nursery and Primary School in Fiango Kumba and later attended CCAS Kumba, where he obtained his GCE Ordinary and Advanced Levels. He holds a Bachelor of Philosophy (B.Phil) from the Catholic University of Cameroon (CATUC) Bamenda, a Master of Science in Political Science and a Master of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Bamenda.
Asongwe served as a Youth Member of Parliament for Bamenda Center Constituency during the 2023 session and remains an active youth leader and commentator on governance issues in the North West Region.
Tabifor Pride Asongwe, a PhD student, believes President Paul Biya is the best choice for the 2025 election due to his stability and continuity in leadership. Asongwe argues that Biya's decades-long experience has provided a foundation for growth and progress. He also highlights Biya's ability to balance change and consistency, which he feels is lacking in the opposition. Some analysts think this endorsement could boost Biya's support among educated youth voters. However, opposition leaders argue that Biya's long tenure has contributed to the country's challenges and that new leadership is needed. The election's outcome will depend on voter turnout and the opposition's ability to mobilize. Biya's campaign promises focus on stability, economic growth and national unity ¹.
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