Opposition Talks on Consensual Candidate to Resume After Constitutional Council Ruling

Efforts to field a unified opposition candidate for Cameroon’s October 12, 2025, presidential election are set to resume following the Constitutional Council’s final ruling on eligible contenders.

On Saturday, August 2, several political party leaders gathered in Foumban, in Cameroon’s West Region, to advance discussions. The Foumban meeting marked the second such gathering aimed at selecting a single opposition figure to challenge long-serving President Paul Biya.

Represented parties included the PAL, PURS, UDC, USDP, FSNC, MCNC, UPC, and UNIVERS. Some of these parties have already been disqualified from participating in the presidential race by Elections Cameroon (Elecam).

Following the closed-door session, attendees—including Akere Muna, Celestine Bedzigui, Bougha Hagbe, Serge Espoir Matumba, Tomaino Ndam Njoya, and Prince Michael Ngwese Ekosso—issued a joint declaration calling on Cameroonians to turn out in large numbers for the election.

“We, political leaders and candidates for the presidential election of October 12th, 2025, alliance movements and patriotic citizens gathered in the historic city of Foumban, committed to the democratic future of Cameroon, solemnly affirm our unwavering determination to confront the stagnation and existential threat posed by the regime in power for 43 years,” the declaration read.

The statement continued:

“For more than four decades, the Cameroonian people have suffered systemic oppression, economic marginalisation, and the stilling of democratic freedoms. The upcoming elections are not just another ballot but a decisive moment for the survival of our nation.”

The leaders pledged to rally behind a consensual candidate, unified by a common programme, and called on Cameroonians—including youth, women, civil society, and the diaspora—to play their civic role.

“WE COMMIT OURSELVES TO THE CHOICE OF A CONSENSUAL CANDIDATE AROUND A COMMON PROGRAM, AND WE INVITE THE PEOPLE TO PLAY THEIR ROLE AS CITIZENS BY VOTING MASSIVELY.”

Some Key Politicians Absent from Foumban Talks

Of the 12 opposition candidates validated by Elecam, only about six were present at the Foumban meeting.

Speaking to MMI, Prince Michael Ngwese Ekosso, president of the United Socialist Democratic Party (USDP), said invitations had been extended to all opposition leaders.

“However, some gave reasons why they couldn’t attend, while some expressed interest,” Ekosso told MMI via text.

He added that the dialogue would intensify once the Constitutional Council confirms the final list of eligible presidential candidates.

Notably absent was Maurice Kamto, whose candidacy was rejected by Elecam. Kamto participated in the initial talks but did not attend the Foumban round. Some absent leaders sent representatives, but no unified candidate has yet emerged.

According to Ekosso, the parties are still deliberating on manifestos and leadership suitability in the bid to settle on a single contender. Talks took place in the council chambers of Foumban, where UDC candidate Tomaino Ndam Njoya also serves as mayor.

Ekosso expressed optimism that more political parties and civil society groups would join the coalition efforts as discussions progress.

Major Opposition Figures Missing from Coalition Talks

Prominent candidates such as Joshua Osih (SDF), Cabral Libii (PCRN), Bello Bouba Maigari (UNDP), and Hiram Samuel Iyodi (Cameroon Democrats Front/FDC) were notably absent from the Foumban meeting.

In an earlier appearance on MMI’s flagship program, “Road to Etoudi,” Iyodi had hinted at the possibility of multiple opposition coalitions forming ahead of the election.

On Monday, The Guardian Post, a leading English-language daily, reported that several candidates chose to boycott the Foumban talks altogether.

Despite the absences, negotiations are expected to continue. With elections fast approaching, it is anticipated that more than one opposition coalition could emerge.

President Paul Biya, now 92, is seeking an eighth term in office. Many opposition leaders believe that only a united front can successfully challenge his decades-long grip on power.

MMI