By Abiola Olawale
Veteran leader Paul Biya, the world’s oldest sitting president, has officially been declared the winner of the October 12th presidential poll, securing a record eighth term in office.
The Constitutional Council announced on Monday, October 27, 2025, that President Biya, 92, won the closely watched election with 53.66% of the vote, extending his more than 43-year grip on power.
​The official declaration, which confirms provisional tallies released last week, cements Biya’s place as one of the longest-serving non-royal rulers globally.
The incumbent, representing the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (RDPC), defeated his primary challenger, former ally Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who garnered 35.19% of the national vote.
​Despite the official pronouncement by the Constitutional Council, the results have been fiercely contested by the opposition.
Bakary, the candidate for the Front for the National Salvation of Cameroon (FSNC), had claimed victory before the official figures were released, alleging widespread irregularities and ballot fraud.
Also, four people were reportedly killed on Sunday in clashes between security forces and supporters of the opposition in the economic capital Douala, according to the region’s governor.
Security forces initially used tear gas before firing “live ammunition.”
