Buea Farmer Ndim Jacob Unveils Manifesto to Unseat Biya

Buea-based farmer and part-time teacher Ndim Jacob Ngong has officially declared his intention to run in Cameroon’s presidential elections scheduled for October. The main objective of the 35-year-old is to unseat 92-year-old president Paul Biya, who has been in power since 1982.

Speaking at a press conference held in Buea on Sunday, Ndim decried what he described as the country’s steady decline. According to him, Cameroon has gone “from bad to worse,” and he believes he stands a real chance of rescuing the nation from the current chaos and economic downturn.

Unveiling key points of his manifesto, Ndim pledged to restore Cameroon’s lost glory by focusing on youth development and empowerment, with sports and other recreational activities at the heart of his strategy.

“I will establish an egalitarian society where Cameroonians from all walks of life shall live in peace with one another and be proud of their country. We shall restore our pride and dignity as a nation within the international community of nations,” he said.

If elected, Ndim also promised to prioritise quality education, national security, and equal opportunities for all as a means of securing a better future for Cameroonians.

In response to questions from the press, he addressed the deep-rooted issue of corruption in Cameroon, vowing to confront it head-on.

“The cankerworm of nepotism, favouritism, and tribalism shall not be condoned,” he added.

He emphasized his commitment to national unity, particularly highlighting the need to reconcile and rebuild in the conflict-affected Northwest and Southwest regions.

Ndim stated that agriculture and mineral resources will fully benefit all Cameroonians and, in turn, the global market.

“We shall equally ensure that our energy sector, which has for some time now been epileptic, shall be taken seriously,” he added.

A Youth-Centred Movement

The 35-year-old announced he will be contesting as an independent candidate. He explained that for some time, he has been engaging with communities and building support behind the scenes. According to him, his decision to run comes as no surprise to many across the nation.

Ndim expressed confidence in securing the 300 endorsements required by the electoral code.

His political platform, the Cameroon Rescue Youths Movement (CRYM), is rooted in the ideals of justice and equity.

“We aim to create a society based on political, social, and economic democracy, where the rights and dignity of all citizens are respected and protected,” he said.

Defying Threats to Announce His Candidacy

Sunday’s press conference came after multiple postponements, including a cancelled event in March. Ndim claimed he had received warnings from security operatives that it was unsafe to go public at the time.

This time, he said he was ready to move forward despite lingering threats.

“I feel it is high time the youths of our dear country Cameroon should step in and salvage the country from the old people, and I have decided to present myself as one of the catalysts for change,” he stated.

He added that since President Ahmadou Ahidjo handed over power to Paul Biya in 1982, the country has not progressed.

“I have watched this country since 1960 deteriorate to a level that beats the imagination of every patriotic Cameroonian of goodwill,” he said.

Who Is Ndim Jacob Ngong?

Born on January 9, 1990, in Yang/Njinikom Subdivision of Boyo Division in the Northwest region, Ndim is married and the father of three. A full-time farmer and part-time teacher, he is also the author of the book Church Politics and Government Policy.

Mimi Mefo Info