Issa Tchiroma Bakary has emerged as one of the most-noticed figures in the lead up to Cameroon’s October 2025 presidential election. His candidacy draws attention, not least because of his long political history, his recent defection from government ranks, and his promises of change. Below are key reasons why many Cameroonians are rallying behind him.

---

1. Experience & Insider Knowledge

Tchiroma Bakary is not a political newcomer. He has held several ministerial posts over decades — in Transport, Communication, Employment and Vocational Training. Africa Press Arabic+3Wikipedia+3africaradio.com+3

His long record gives him legitimacy: he understands the workings of government, state institutions, and policy implementation. For many voters, that means less risk of “amateur mistakes” compared to someone with no governance experience. Also, his history of serving under President Biya and then breaking away positions him as someone who knows the system from within and is now calling for reform. Wikipedia+3koaci.com+3africaradio.com+3

---

2. Promise of Change & Break from the Old Guard

A major part of Tchiroma’s appeal is his message of change. He has emphasized that the “time of waiting is over,” called for the end of what he terms the “old system” and is putting forward reforms: revising the electoral code, introducing a two‐round presidential election, limiting mandates, and pushing for a more federal state structure. Africa Scorecard+3alwihdainfo.com+3Africa Press Arabic+3

His positioning as a “candidate of the transition” resonates with many who are frustrated with stagnation, corruption, youth unemployment, and perceptions that government has not delivered broadly. Africanews+3alwihdainfo.com+3Africa24 TV+3

---

3. Regional / Identity Roots, Strong Base in the North

Tchiroma is from the North (Garoua). For many in that region, he is seen as one of their own: familiar, accessible, and connected. That matters in Cameroon, where regional, ethnic, and linguistic identities play strong roles in political loyalty. Wikipedia+3koaci.com+3Africanews+3

Furthermore, his renown and long presence in politics give him high name‐recognition; having held visible ministerial portfolios means many have seen him in media, in government, and maybe even recall past performance. koaci.com+3cameroon-tribune.cm+3Wikipedia+3

---

4. A Candidate of Unity & Broadening Opposition Appeal

Another factor is that Tchiroma seems to be trying to build broader opposition coalitions. He has had to navigate criticism over being “too close” to the ruling party in the past, but his recent break from that alignment gives him a chance to appear more independent. Wikipedia+3africaradio.com+3koaci.com+3

His platform and speeches often emphasize national unity, inclusive governance, justice, reconciliation, and giving voice to those who feel excluded. That helps him appeal beyond his region or base. Africa Press Arabic+2Africanews+2

---

5. Responding to Key Voter Grievances

Many Cameroonians are discontented with persistent issues: unemployment (especially among youth), under‐investment in infrastructure, lack of transparency in governance, a sense of marginalization (especially in Anglophone regions and peripheries), and frustration over the durability of the current regime. Tchiroma’s promises — more vocational training, revising the electoral code, federal structures, more power to local/provincial authorities — directly address several of these pain points. Africa24 TV+2Africa Scorecard+2

His rhetoric of giving power back to the people (“le pouvoir au peuple”), and his expressed desire to transition power to a new generation, speak to voters who feel the leadership has grown distant or stagnant. koaci.com+1

---

Challenges / Doubts That Remain

While his support is growing, there are also areas where voters are cautious: questions about how genuine his break from past alliances is, how much change is feasible within the current political and institutional constraints, concerns about whether promises can be fulfilled, and issues of credibility given long service in the old regime. Some critics also view his age and long tenure as part of the same “old guard,” which could limit the appeal of his message of renewal. Le 360 Afrique+2africaradio.com+2

---

Conclusion

Issa Tchiroma Bakary is attracting support because he uniquely bridges two things: experience and insider knowledge, plus a growing promise of change. He knows the system deeply, yet is positioning himself as a reformer who can channel the frustrations of many Cameroonians. Whether he can convert that potential into electoral victory will depend on how well he addresses concerns about credibility, implements his reform agenda, and builds a sufficiently broad coalition across regional, linguistic, and generational divides.