Presidential candidate of the Cameroon National Salvation Front (FSNC), Issa Tchiroma Bakary, on Saturday stormed Bamenda in the North West Region, where he called on citizens to accept only results “that emerge from the ballot box.” His statement, made during a charged campaign stop at City Chemist Roundabout, has stirred debate among observers who see it as both a call for electoral transparency and a potential warning of post-election tension.
The former Minister of Communication, who is remembered for his years as government spokesman, arrived in Bamenda to a mixed crowd of party faithful, curious residents, and onlookers. After touring parts of the city, his convoy stopped in the heart of town, where he addressed supporters from a improvised campaign stage.
Issa Tchiroma used the rally to outline his vision for peace, reconciliation, and economic recovery, while also confronting his controversial past.
“I will free all imprisoned Anglophone leaders within four months of taking up office,” he declared, adding that such a move would be accompanied by a national roundtable aimed at addressing the root causes of the Anglophone crisis.
“We must first find out and resolve the root causes of the Anglophone problem. Once we know the causes, it will be easier to find the solution,” he told the crowd, promising an inclusive dialogue involving all key stakeholders.
In a rare moment of contrition, the veteran politician openly apologised for previously denying the existence of the Anglophone problem during his time as government spokesman.
“I was wrong, and I know I hurt many of my brothers and sisters. Do you accept my apology?” he asked, drawing a thunderous “Yes” from the gathered crowd.
But it was his insistence on citizens accepting “only results that come from the ballot box” that caught the attention of political watchers. Delivered with the passion of a seasoned campaigner, the statement resonated with his call for democratic integrity yet also raised questions over what would constitute “acceptable” results in a region still tense from years of conflict and mistrust in electoral institutions.
Issa Tchiroma, who has positioned himself as a voice of reconciliation and reform, told the people of Bamenda that his presidency would be defined by economic empowerment and national unity.
“I owe Bamenda a duty to make it prosperous and great again,” he said.
“I will work with your young people to bring back the lost glory of this city. The North West will once again play its role economically and intellectually as one of the leading regions of our country.” he added
The FSNC candidate’s message combined repentance with resolve, seeking to bridge divisions while asserting his credibility as a national figure. Yet his call for citizens to accept only results “from the ballot box” will likely continue to generate conversations both about transparency and the fragile calm that surrounds this election season in Bamenda and beyond.
As the October 12 presidential election draws near, Bamenda once again finds itself at the crossroads of political promises and public anxiety being a city yearning for peace but wary of rhetoric that could reignite the tensions it knows too well.
Campaign Pulse Insight Box: Why Tchiroma’s message matters in Bamenda
🔹 A Controversial figure returns with an apology
Issa Tchiroma Bakary’s open apology for once denying the Anglophone problem marks a major political moment. As a former government spokesman during the early years of the crisis, his words carry both weight and contradiction. By saying “I was wrong”, Issa Tchiroma attempted to reconnect with a region that has long felt misunderstood and marginalised.
🔹 Promise of dialogue and freedom
His pledge to release imprisoned Anglophone leaders within four months if elected, and to organise a national roundtable to address the crisis, speaks directly to Bamenda’s deep yearning for peace. It also signals his intention to position himself as a reconciliatory candidate capable of bridging Cameroon’s divisions.
🔹 “Only Ballot Box Results”: A double-edged message
Tchiroma’s strong call for citizens to accept “only results that come from the ballot box” has been interpreted in two ways. To supporters, it underscores a commitment to democratic legitimacy. To critics, it may sound like a veiled caution that could fuel post-election tension if results are disputed. In a city still grappling with insecurity, this line carries heavy political sensitivity.
🔹 Economic vision for renewal
His pledge to make Bamenda “prosperous and great again,” create investment-friendly conditions for the diaspora, and require majority Cameroonian ownership in foreign-led projects reflects a nationalist economic approach aimed at reviving confidence and employment.
🔹 Impact on the campaign landscape
Issa Tchiroma’s visit injects both emotion and complexity into the 2025 race. His speech combined repentance, policy promises, and political provocation leaving Bamenda divided between hope for change and caution over rhetoric that could test the fragile calm ahead of the October 12 vote.
By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices Online
Email: hilltopvoicesnewspaper@gmail.com
Tel: 6 94 71 85 77
