By Boris Esono Nwenfor
BUEA, Cameroon – Prominent historian Professor Victor Julius Ngoh has officially declared his support for Issa Tchiroma Bakary, candidate of the Cameroon National Salvation Front known by the French acronym FSNC, in the upcoming October 12 presidential election.
Describing the election as a “political crossroad,” Prof Ngoh urged Cameroonians to make a decisive choice that would determine whether the country becomes a “strong, viable, united and democratic nation” or continues in what he called a cycle of corruption, tribalism, and neglect under the ruling CPDM.
For more than four decades, Ngoh argued, the party in power has failed to deliver necessities and security. He expressed disappointment that the 11 opposition candidates could not rally behind a single candidate despite widespread calls from citizens for a united front. Issa Tchiroma stood up at a time when Cameroonians needed somebody to lead them to achieve their goal.
“The Cameroonian people expected the 11 opposition candidates to select, amongst themselves, a candidate to carry forward the aspirations of the vast majority of Cameroonians who clamour for change. Unfortunately, the 11 opposition candidates have been unable to heed the people’s call for a consensual opposition candidate,” Prof Ngoh lamented.
Ngoh highlighted the work of the Union for Change, a coalition of more than 60 political parties, associations, and civil society organisations, which produced a common reform platform. Of all the opposition contenders, only Issa Tchiroma, he noted, responded positively, pledging to uphold the platform, which includes a transitional government of three to five years, constitutional reforms, and the resolution of conflicts in the North West, South West, and Far North regions.
While acknowledging Tchiroma’s controversial past as a former minister under President Paul Biya, Prof Ngoh praised his willingness to admit mistakes and apologise, describing him as a leader capable of guiding the nation through change.
“Issa Tchiroma, a former Minister in the Biya regime, is not a Saint, and I have had occasions over the years to criticise him on some of his positions and outings on political matters. But there is no Saint yet in Cameroon politics, and Cameroon has never had one. His honesty in recognising his errors and the humility to apologise are praiseworthy,” he said.
“Our religious teachings tell us that the Lord used the sinner and persecutor, Saul, who became Paul, to do His work; Paul has become one of the greatest pillars of Christianity. Issa Tchiroma can be the “devil” whom the Bishop of Yagoua referred to.”
Ngoh framed the election as a contest between two coalitions: the ruling CPDM and the other political parties, which are, directly or indirectly, covertly or overtly, seen to be with the CPDM, and on the other hand, Tchiroma, backed by the Union for Change and what he termed the “People’s Platform.”
“Faced with the inability of the 11 opposition candidates and parties to present a consensual candidate and given the gravity of the October 2025 presidential election, I, without reservation, endorse the candidacy of Issa Tchiroma for President of the Republic of Cameroon and call on the vast majority of Cameroonians who want change to massively support and vote for the candidacy of Issa Tchiroma of the FSNC.”
“Let us form the ‘Voters’ Coalition’ and lead Issa Tchiroma, the ‘People’s Choice’, to victory,” Prof Victor Ngoh declared.
