The atmosphere in Old Town, Bamenda II Subdivision, was electrified Saturday evening as Felix Mbayu, Minister Delegate to the Minister of External Relations in charge of the Commonwealth and President of the CPDM Mezam Divisional Campaign Team, led a spirited final rally ahead of Sunday’s presidential poll.
Addressing a massive crowd in the heart of the Muslim neighbourhood, Minister Mbayu called for unity, vigilance, and faith in the leadership of President Paul Biya, stressing that religion should never be used as a dividing line in politics.
“We decided to hold this rally here in Old Town, in the Muslim quarter, to tell our brothers and sisters that when you are voting for your interest, religion doesn’t matter,” he declared.
“Those trying to use religion to disrupt the process must be cast away. What matters is what President Paul Biya has done, continues to do, and plans to do for all Cameroonians.”
Mbayu: “Beware of Empty Promises”
The minister cautioned voters against what he described as “fairy-tale promises” being peddled by inexperienced candidates.
“They say education will be free, electricity free, water free, food in your house free, even marriage free!” Minister Mbayu said, drawing laughter from the crowd. “You can only benefit from a njangi if you play it. Let’s be vigilant and reject fake promises.”
He reminded the population that he was born and raised in Old Town, and his commitment to the community was not new or seasonal.
“I schooled here. I grew up here. I have never forgotten where I came from. Under the rain or sun, I am here for you,” he told the cheering crowd. “I contributed to the Muslim prayer ground, I have made sure families can break their fast with dignity, and I have worked to give our Sarkis a befitting palace.”
The minister emphasized that Old Town’s long-standing harmony between Christians and Muslims should not be destroyed by divisive rhetoric.
“When we were children, religion never mattered. We played together, went to school together. Now one candidate wants you to vote for him because he’s a Muslim. That’s wrong. Vote for who has served you, vote for President Paul Biya.”
“Religion Has Never Defined Our Democracy”, - Councillor Abdullah
Taking the floor, Councillor Abdullah Musa, Head of the Finance Committee at Bamenda II Council, echoed the minister’s appeal, drawing parallels from Islamic history.
“When Prophet Muhammad was persecuted in Mecca, he found refuge in Ethiopia under a Christian king,” he recalled. “That Christian gave Islam safety. So religion has never been a barrier to cooperation.”
He warned against what he termed “religious blackmail,” stressing that Islam does not instruct its followers to vote only for Muslim candidates.
“From 1992 to 2018, presidential elections have always had candidates from all faiths. Nobody forced Muslims to vote for Muslims. Why should it be different in 2025?” he asked. “No one should mislead our people in the name of religion. We must vote for the leader who holds the Muslims of Cameroon at heart, and that leader is President Paul Biya.”
Alhadji Bala Tanko: “Age Is Just a Number—Biya Is Still Strong”
In a passionate closing message, Alhadji Bala Tanko, Sarkis Protocol Officer of Old Town, dismissed the narrative that President Paul Biya’s age should be a deterrent.
“I watched the President in Maroua. He stood for hours and delivered his speech with strength and clarity,” he said. “He walked up to the grandstand unaided, no fatigue, no weakness. That is the mark of divine grace and experience.”
Tanko urged voters to recognize President Biya as “the embodiment of wisdom and continuity.”
“Do not destroy your farm, because where your farm is, that’s where you will harvest,” he advised. “Be wise, choose experience, and secure the future of our young people by voting for President Paul Biya.”
A Rally Rooted in Conviction
Saturday’s Old Town rally capped weeks of intense grassroots mobilization across the Mezam Division. The event, described by observers as both spiritual and strategic, reaffirmed the CPDM’s message of unity, peace, and continuity under President Paul Biya.
As the sun set over Bamenda’s skyline, Minister Felix Mbayu’s words resonated through the crowd, a reminder that beyond politics and religion, the destiny of Cameroon rests on the collective resolve of its people.
“Let’s go out tomorrow, cast our votes for stability, peace, and progress,” Minister Mbayu concluded. “Vote Paul Biya, the man who has never abandoned his people.”
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