As Cameroon heads toward its much-anticipated presidential election on October 12, 2025, political tensions are rising among opposition leaders. One of the latest controversies comes from Issa Tchiroma Bakary, leader of the Front for the National Salvation of Cameroon (FSNC), who publicly denounced what he called the “political selfishness” of Bello Bouba Maigari, president of the National Union for Democracy and Progress (NUDP).

Tchiroma’s remarks reflect the growing divisions within the opposition at a critical moment when unity is considered essential to challenge the long-standing dominance of President Paul Biya’s ruling party. For decades, the Cameroonian opposition has struggled to present a united front, often fragmented by competing ambitions, regional interests, and personal rivalries.

In his statement, Issa Tchiroma accused Bello Bouba Maigari of placing his personal political ambitions above the collective interest of the opposition and the nation. According to Tchiroma, Bello Bouba’s insistence on preserving his party’s individual platform weakens efforts to form a broad coalition that could stand a real chance against the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM).

This criticism comes just weeks before a coalition of opposition parties is expected to announce a unified candidate to face Paul Biya, who has ruled Cameroon since 1982. Many political observers argue that without a joint effort, opposition candidates risk splitting the vote, inadvertently strengthening Biya’s grip on power. Tchiroma’s warning highlights the urgency of overcoming divisions if change is to be realized in 2025.

For his part, Bello Bouba Maigari has long been a significant figure in Cameroonian politics. A former Prime Minister and influential northern leader, Bello Bouba has built his political brand on independence and resilience. His critics, however, argue that his strategy often prioritizes personal relevance over national unity. Tchiroma’s recent statements intensify this perception, fueling debate about whether opposition leaders are truly ready to set aside egos in the interest of collective victory.

The broader political context cannot be ignored. With the election approaching, Cameroon is at a crossroads. The country faces mounting economic hardship, regional inequality, and the lingering effects of the Anglophone crisis in the Northwest and Southwest regions. Citizens are eager for new leadership, but disillusionment grows as opposition leaders appear unable to bridge their divides.

Tchiroma’s attack on Bello Bouba raises key questions: Can the opposition overcome its historical fragmentation? Will leaders prioritize national interest over personal ambition? Or will internal disputes pave the way for another victory by the ruling party?

As campaigning intensifies, the spotlight remains on whether a single opposition candidate will emerge, capable of uniting diverse political movements and mobilizing the population for real change. The next few weeks will be decisive in shaping Cameroon’s political landscape for years to come.

One thing is clear: Issa Tchiroma’s sharp criticism has exposed the fragile state of opposition politics in Cameroon. Whether it serves as a wake-up call for unity or deepens divisions remains to be seen.

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