With the presidential election just weeks away, the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) has launched a bold campaign to re-engage the youth of Nkwen and bring the subdivision back into the fold of mainstream political development.
This effort was formalised on Saturday 1 August 2025 at a political sensitisation meeting in Bamenda III, organised by the CPDM Mezam 1 C Section. The event brought together administrative authorities, traditional leaders, and youth representatives to address Nkwen’s longstanding development concerns.
Fon Azehfor III arriving event ground
Ndaka Nicolas Che, CPDM Section President and Regional Councillor, was direct in his message: Nkwen’s lack of alignment with the ruling party has cost it dearly in terms of national development.
“Communities that support the CPDM have seen roads, schools, and hospitals. Why is Nkwen still behind? Because we have not played our political cards right. It’s time to change that,” Ndaka Che said.
He cited the late Hon. Achidi Achu’s philosophy of mutual political support “scratch my back, I scratch your own” as the key strategy to gain favour with the government.
In attendance was HRM Fon Azehfor III, who urged the youth to follow his lead in embracing CPDM politics while also safeguarding their cultural identity and investing in skills training.
“Our political decisions today will define our development tomorrow. I ask you to trust my leadership and walk with me on this path,” the Fon declared.
The Divisional Officer, Sáka Austin Ayuni, meanwhile, focused on economic development, urging the youth to turn toward entrepreneurship and agriculture, rather than waiting for public sector jobs.
The background to this meeting lies in growing dissatisfaction within Nkwen over perceived political marginalisation and slow development, despite the area’s human resource potential. The ruling party sees this as an opportunity to regain ground by working with local structures and the youth.
In a strong show of support, the youth leaders pledged to mobilise their peers for a unified turnout in favour of the CPDM candidate on 12 October, hoping that this realignment will finally usher in the long-awaited transformation of Nkwen.
By Ndimbe Usman for Hilltopvoices Newsroom
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