Presidential candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary has issued a strongly worded public statement condemning what he described as “unacceptable threats” from the Minister of Territorial Administration ahead of Cameroon’s October 12 presidential election.
In the statement released in Garoua on Saturday October 11, 2025, Tchiroma accused the minister of attempting to suppress the right of candidates to publish preliminary results, warning that such intimidation undermines constitutional freedoms and the sovereignty of the Cameroonian people.
“Your public threats to arrest me if I announce the true results of the election are unacceptable,” he declared. “Article 113 of the Electoral Code and the basic rules of democracy allow for the publication of voting trends. Threatening a candidate for informing the people is an attack on national sovereignty.”
The veteran politician and leader of the National Salvation Front of Cameroon (FSNC) called on the minister to “assume responsibility publicly” if any action is to be taken, rather than operating “in the shadows.”
Appeal to the Security Forces
Turning to the country’s defence and security personnel, Issa Tchiroma urged them to uphold their republican duty by protecting the rights and dignity of citizens during the electoral process.
“You have sworn an oath to protect the Cameroonian people,” he said. “If you receive an order that aims to prevent the free expression of the people or to steal votes, it is not an act of obedience, it is a acrime against the nation.”
He encouraged police officers, gendarmes and soldiers to seek clarification when faced with unlawful instructions, stressing that their honour lies in safeguarding the will of the people.
“Do Not Be Afraid,” Tchiroma Tells Citizens
Addressing the electorate, Tchiroma called for calm, vigilance and active participation in Sunday’s vote. He reassured citizens that his campaign had deployed legal and monitoring mechanisms to ensure transparency at the polls.
“Go out and vote, assert your rights, protect your votes,” he said. “If any irregularities are found, we will act immediately through legal and peaceful means. Our response will always remain republican.”
The opposition candidate also warned state officials against using administrative structures for partisan purposes, saying “history will remember those who betray the people’s trust.”
“We Will Not Bow to Fear”
Concluding his address, Tchiroma urged the government to desist from intimidation and allow the democratic process to unfold freely.
“If you believe that arresting a candidate is the solution, do so with the dignity of a head of state,” he said. “But know that the force of legality and the will of the people will prevail.”
The FSNC candidate reaffirmed his commitment to defend the people’s voice “by all legal and peaceful means,” pledging to remain steadfast regardless of pressure.
“We will not give in to fear or provocation,” he affirmed. “Let us protect democracy together. Long live Cameroon.”
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