The Constitutional Council this Friday 22 August 2025 declared admissible but unfounded a petition filed by UNIVERS presidential candidate Akere Muna, challenging the eligibility of incumbent President Paul Biya to contest in the 2025 Presidential Election.
Akere Muna addressing the press
In a landmark ruling delivered at 3 p.m. in Yaoundé, the Council for the first time in Cameroon’s electoral history recognised that a candidate could challenge the eligibility of another under Article 118 of the Electoral Code.
While this preliminary admissibility was hailed as a victory for democratic oversight, the Council dismissed the substantive arguments advanced in the petition. Akere Muna and his lawyers had argued that prolonged absences from public duties, failure to preside over constitutional institutions, and controversial public appearances raised doubts about President Paul Biya’s autonomy in exercising his functions.
Akere Muna addressing the court
The presence of the Director of the Civil Cabinet at the hearing added to the controversy. Though invited to speak, he declined to do so, a silence the petitioner described as “deafening” and “validation of our arguments.”
Despite acknowledging the admissibility of the case, the Council concluded that the evidence provided was insufficient to establish grounds for ineligibility.
Akere Muna expressed disappointment but maintained that the fight for transparency and accountability continues. “The Cameroonian people deserve to know who truly governs the country,” he said, pledging to pursue further democratic and legal avenues.