Cameroon: UNIVERS Led Opposition Coalition Backs Akere Muna For 2025 Presidential Race

By Boris Esono Nwenfor

Anti-corruption advocate, Barrister Akere Muna of the Now Movement, has been endorsed by a coalition of opposition parties, led by the UNIVERS Party of Professor Nkou Mvondo, as a candidate for the 2025 Presidential election in Cameroon.

The endorsement was made on September 28, in Yaoundé at a highly attended gathering which included politicians and activists such as former SDF member Godden Zama, Eric Chinje, Felix Nkongho Agbor Balla, and Njang Denis. The coalition also includes the NOW Movement and the Popular Action Party PAP.

Akere Muna, well-known for his strong stance on transparency, good governance, and human rights, has long been a key figure in Cameroon’s political and civil society. As a former president of the Cameroon Bar Association, and having previously served as Vice President of Transparency International, Muna brings a wealth of experience to the race.

The 2025 presidential election is expected to be a pivotal moment for Cameroon, as the country grapples with economic challenges, regional instability, and demands for greater political freedoms.

“I was humbled by professor Nkou Mvondo and his political party, UNIVERS, leading a group of political parties and Civil society organizations who chose me as their presidential candidate for the 2025 elections,” Barrister Akere Muna wrote on his official X account.

“The oldest political party in Cameroon, UPC, is also a leader of the coalition. My thanks to the NOW Movement for their continued support. I was in awe to see my brother, veteran global journalist Eric Chinje. Thanks to my political partners Zama and Barrister Balla. Thanks to all of you my fellow Cameroonians for your thousands of messages of support. The work and the battle for the soul of the nation continues.”

Agbor Balla and Eric Chinje throw weight behind Akere Muna.

Renowned human rights fighter Felix Nkongho Agbor, popularly called Agbor Balla has called on supporters to mobilize as the upcoming presidential election will be difficult. Nevertheless, he said they have a leader who fights the system, who fights those who have exploited and extorted this country.

Felix Nkongho said: “All of us know what corruption has done to this county. We followed the Glencore and Covidgate. We have a leader who fights the system, who fights those who have exploited and extorted this country. What we have to do is to support him, go out there and mobilize as many people as possible.”

“The election in 2025 will be very difficult. Those who are in power do not want to leave; they want to die in power, they want their children and friends to succeed them. We have to learn to beat them in their own game.”

Godden Zama, a former SDF Party militant said the cry that Cameroon has had for the last 40 years has finally gotten an answer. He said: “All the joy today is because we have gotten somebody that will end the misery of Cameroonians. We have gotten the person that will put an end to the sufferings of Cameroonians.”

Eric Chinje said: “Wake up. Don't accept mediocrity. Don't accept that this country belongs to this group, which is among the least developed on the continent. It's unacceptable. President Bia, whom I knew, for whom I had a lot of respect, because I discussed with him, failed at this task. I know we're going to repeat that to him.”

“A country that does not care about the health of its citizens does not deserve leaders who cannot take care of the health of their leaders do not deserve the trust of the citizens. It's up to you to choose. They are behind the motor-taxis. But it's unimaginable. The farmers, the doctors, all of them, have nothing to feed themselves in a country called Cameroon, with everything we have.”