The Minister of Territorial Administration (MINAT), Paul Atanga Nji, has vigorously reacted to the declaration of candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who declared himself the winner of the presidential election of October 12, 2025. In a statement released this Tuesday in Yaoundé, MINAT described this act as "imposture" and "irresponsible behavior," denouncing a deliberate attempt to disrupt the ongoing electoral process. According to the statement, Issa Tchiroma Bakary recorded and broadcast a message from his home on October 13, in which he claimed victory, in violation of the texts governing the electoral process. "This beleaguered candidate, unable to be represented in half of the country's polling stations, is seeking to disrupt the electoral process, which is taking place normally," MINAT said.

The ministry claims to have information about a "diabolical" plan implemented by the candidate, in collusion with "local and foreign occult agencies," aimed at proclaiming parallel results in defiance of the competent authorities. The minister recalls that he had already alerted public opinion, as early as October 10, about the intentions of a candidate wishing to end his campaign in his native region and then proclaim himself the winner.

Paul Atanga Nji assured the national and international community that the electoral process will continue until its completion, in accordance with the law. "The composition of the National Commission for the General Vote Count will be confirmed shortly by the ELECAM Electoral Council, and the Constitutional Council remains the only body authorized to proclaim the results of the presidential election," the press release stated. The minister also emphasized that 5,575 national and international observers have been accredited and deployed across the country's ten regions.

According to their reports, the poll took place without major incident, and the irregularities noted do not call into question the sincerity of the vote. While reaffirming the government's determination to maintain public order and protect people and property, the press release cites the "Very High Directives" of President Paul Biya, recalling the famous warning of the head of state: "We must not play with Cameroon."