As Cameroonians prepare to cast their votes in October, age emerges as an important factor in the upcoming presidential election.
Here are the youngest candidates for the October 12 presidential election: 38-year-old Hiram Samuel Iyodi and 39-year-old Ateki Seta Caxton.
These two young, dynamic, visionary leaders were born 5 and 4 years into the presidency of Paul Biya, who is now seeking his 8th term at the age of 92.
Today, they have grown up and want the mantle, but Paul Biya is still there, ready to compete with them.
Biya is the oldest in the presidential race and he shares an age difference of 54 years with Hiram Samuel Iyodi, the youngest of 13 candidates for the October 12 election.
Looking at the youthfulness of Hiram and Ateki, one can say they represent the majority of voters within the voting age in Cameroon.
Ateki and Hiram have been striving to form a partnership for the upcoming vote.
In a statement earlier sent to MMI, Mr Ateki’s communication team described his recent meeting with Hiram as timely, stating that the winds of change are blowing, and with them comes the rising hope of a new generation determined to break with the politics of division, stagnation, and lost opportunities under Paul Biya.
Full Statement on Ateki–Hiram Meeting
“They are not opponents. They are brothers in the same fight. Their shared commitment to justice, good governance, youth empowerment, national unity, and socio-economic transformation represents the very soul of the future Cameroon we all desire. Yet, we must acknowledge a truth too often ignored: divided, we fall prey to the forces of the old order.
“United, we become the unstoppable movement that births a new Republic. This is a call to alliance; a call to vision; a call to courage.
“We urge Ateki Caxton Seta and Hiram Samuel Iyodi to rise above political ambition and embrace strategic unity. Cameroon needs not two voices shouting in parallel, but one powerful echo resounding from North to South, East to West, speaking to the hopes of our people.
“Let this not be an election of personalities, but a mission of generational transition, of coalition building, and of collective sacrifice for national rebirth. Let this alliance set a precedent that leadership is not about ego but about serving a cause greater than oneself.
“We envision a joint strategy that: Presents a unified front in mobilising youth and grassroots movements across all regions,
Develops a common governance blueprint grounded in inclusion, transparency, and equity. Builds a shared campaign infrastructure that maximises reach, resources, and impact.
“Offers Cameroonians a clear alternative to business-as-usual politics. History will remember those who dared to unite when it mattered most. Cameroon is watching. Africa is watching.
“The world is watching. Let Ateki Caxton Seta and Hiram Samuel Iyodi be remembered not just as candidates but as catalysts of a revolution in political maturity, courage, and nation-first thinking. Together, they can ignite a fire that no regime can extinguish.
“Together, they can build the Cameroon we deserve. The time is now. Unite for victory. Unite for Cameroon.”
