Kamto Urges Opposition Unity, Appeals to Northern Candidates to Seize ‘Historic Moment’
By Synthia Lateu
Opposition leader Maurice Kamto has renewed his call for presidential candidates to unite in their bid to unseat President Paul Biya in the October election.
In a statement issued on September 17, Kamto emphasized that if the 11 opposition candidates united behind one of the most experienced contenders in politics and state governance, they could create an “irresistible popular dynamic” that would make victory against the CPDM candidate inevitable.
Kamto added that even if full alignment behind a single candidate proves impossible, a powerful coalition of several candidates could still inspire great hope and trigger a comparable political momentum.
“Clarify the situation and simplify the voters’ choice by forming a political alliance that avoids confrontation between you and the dispersion of votes from voters who are so eager for change.” Kamto urged. “There is not much time left.”
Drawing a football analogy, Kamto said:
“Dear opposition candidates, by chance (but is it always chance?), there are 11 of you, just like a football team. And there is a penalty kick to be taken for victory. Choose from among yourselves, or at least from among the most experienced, the kicker who has the best chance of scoring the liberating goal. “
Kamto appealed directly to opposition candidates from the Northern regions, describing them as “two valiant and worthy sons of Cameroon, ” calling on their patriotism, sense of duty, and sacrifice to rise above personal ambitions and be present at this “historic moment.”
Kamto also hinted that he and his party would soon be sharing their official position on the October 12 presidential election, promising to make their stance clear in the coming days.
Issa Tchiroma Bakari and Bello Bouba Maigari, both former ministers in the Biya government and now presidential candidates, are widely regarded as key figures capable of rallying support to defeat Biya. However, reports of disagreements between them have recently emerged.
Issa Tchiroma Bakari was recently chosen as the presidential candidate of the coalition Union pour le Changement , a move that has sparked controversy. While Tchiroma has expressed confidence in his chances of victory, Bello Bouba Maigari rejected the coalition’s choice, arguing that his party was not represented in the decision-making process.
Kamto revealed that he has so far held meetings with Issa Tchiroma Bakari, Bello Bouba Maigari, and Akere Muna, and expressed satisfaction with the discussions.
