Cameroon’s political landscape witnessed a surprising twist when Cabral Libii, president of the PCRN party, publicly congratulated Minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary for securing second place in the 2025 presidential election. The gesture, shared on Facebook three months after the 12 October 2025 Elections has sparked mixed reactions among supporters and critics, highlighting the sensitivity of post-election discourse in the country.
In his post, Cabral Libii admitted he had initially forgotten to congratulate Issa Tchiroma Bakary. Seeking to correct this oversight, he wrote:
“I failed to do it. But I think it should be done by political fair play. For his first attempt in 2025, Minister Issa Tchiroma won the 2nd place with 35.17%. I humbly congratulate him too. In the history of the presidential election in Cameroon, he is the 2nd best behind the iconic Ni John Fru Ndi who had obtained on his first attempt in 1992, 35.97% and ahead of Bello Bouba who obtained 19.22% the same year.”
This acknowledgment places Issa Tchiroma Bakary’s performance in historical context, comparing his result to notable opposition figures such as Ni John Fru Ndi and Bello Bouba.
- Ni John Fru Ndi (1992): Secured 35.97% in his first presidential attempt, becoming a symbol of opposition strength.
- Issa Tchiroma Bakary (2025): Achieved 35.17%, earning second place and recognition from peers.
- Bello Bouba (1992): Obtained 19.22%, marking a significant but lesser impact compared to Fru Ndi and Tchiroma.
By highlighting these figures, Cabral Libii underscored the importance of fair play and respect among political competitors.
While some praised Libii’s gesture as a sign of maturity and political sportsmanship, others criticized it, arguing that congratulating a rival could be seen as undermining his own supporters’ expectations. The mixed reactions reveal the polarized nature of Cameroon’s political environment, where every statement carries weight.
It is worth noting that Tchirom’s political party, Cameroon National Salvation Front, had earlier published the results of every polling station they were present at, and the other opposition political parties have not done so including Cabral Libii. His congratulations
Cabral Libii’s congratulatory message to Issa Tchiroma Bakary is more than a simple acknowledgment—it is a call for political fair play and respect in Cameroon’s democratic journey. Whether embraced or criticized, the gesture adds a new dimension to post-election narratives and reinforces the importance of unity in a divided political landscape.
