Long-serving President Paul Biya has officially secured an eighth term in office after being declared the winner of the 12 October presidential election. The Constitutional Council announced his victory on Monday 27 October 2025 with 2.4 million votes (53.66 %) nationwide, ahead of his main challenger Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who garnered 35.19 %.
In the North West Region which is a territory historically difficult for many opposition challengers, Paul Biya’s support soared. Official regional figures show:
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Biya: 86.31 %
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Joshua Osih (SDF): 5.51 %
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Issa Tchiroma: 5.21 %
with the other candidates sharing the rest
These results reflect a deeply entrenched vote for Biya’s Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) in the region and reinforce the party’s dominance there.
Despite the victory, the process has not been free of controversy. Ahead of today’s proclamation, protests erupted in several cities citing allegations of vote-manipulation, station relocations and registration irregularities. Some deaths and dozens of arrests were reported in Douala and Garoua.
Opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma claimed victory shortly after polling and called on Biya to concede, a demand that went unanswered.
Paul Biya’s re-election consolidates his hold on power, securing yet another term under the 2008 constitutional amendment that removed presidential term limits. Yet the margin of victory, especially in the national tally, suggests cracks in support as younger voters and opposition-leaning regions increasingly voice discontent. Analysts say that while Paul Biya retains a large support base, especially in regions like the North West, the mood for change is growing elsewhere.
By Hilltopvoices Newsroom
