—Calls on President Paul Biya to concede defeat
IPNEWS: 67yr old Opposition leader Issa Tchiroma has announced his victory in the presidential race and called on President Paul Biya, the world’s oldest sitting leader, to concede defeat.
However, official results are pending and his claim is unconfirmed. Official results will be announced by the Constitutional Council, which has until October 26, 2025, to do so.
The opposition candidate declared himself the winner via social media following the election held on October 12, 2025.
He urged incumbent Paul Biya to concede and promised to release a region-by-region breakdown of vote tallies.
A government minister has warned that any unilateral publication of results would be considered “high treason,” asserting that only the Constitutional Council has the authority to announce the winner.
The declaration challenges President Paul Biya, who at 92, is the world’s oldest serving head of state and is seeking an eighth term after 43 years in power.
Tchiroma previously served as a government minister under Biya for 20 years before resigning in June 2025 to run as an opposition candidate.
Tchiroma’s campaign gained traction and drew large crowds and endorsements from a coalition of opposition parties.
In the 2018 election, another opposition candidate, Maurice Kamto, also claimed victory before official results were in, and was later arrested. The government has a tight grip on state institutions, and elections have historically favored the ruling party.
