Issa Tchiroma Bakary fires back strongly at Atanga Nji, who threatened to have him arrested.
“To the Minister of Territorial Administration, to the security forces, and to my fellow compatriots,
Mr. Minister,
Your public threats of arrest against me if I announce, on the evening of October 12, the truth from the polls are unacceptable.
Let’s be clear: the voice of the people and the transparency of the electoral process are constitutional principles.
Article 113 of the Electoral Code and the basic rules of democracy allow the publication and circulation of results from the vote count.
To threaten a candidate for informing the people is to threaten the very sovereignty of the nation.
If you are convinced of the legality of your threats, then come and assume them publicly.
▪️The Government must not hide behind anonymous intimidations or orders given in the shadows.
▪️The country deserves clarity: if you intend to have me arrested, Mr. Minister, do it yourself and take responsibility for your actions before the Nation.
To the men and women in uniform — police officers, gendarmes, soldiers, and civil servants — I speak to you as brothers and sisters.
▪️You took an oath to protect the Cameroonian people, its institutions, and its dignity.
▪️Your weapons, your uniforms, and your positions give you a sacred responsibility.
▪️If an order is given to you to suppress the free expression of the people, to intimidate voters, to steal votes, or to repress peaceful citizens — refuse it.
Protect first the people you serve.
▪️To obey an illegal order or one that goes against the general interest is not obedience — it is a betrayal of the Nation.
▪️If you receive such instructions, seek clarification from your superiors and remember that your honor and your future are tied to the protection of the people.
To my fellow Cameroonians, I reaffirm this:
Do not be afraid.
▪️Stay calm and determined.
▪️Go out and vote. Exercise your rights. Protect your votes. Help ensure that every ballot is respected.
We have established teams of poll watchers, a legal task force, and a transmission network to collect and publish the official results.
▪️If any irregularity is observed, we will act immediately — legally and peacefully.
▪️Our approach will remain republican: to inform, to contest legally, and to mobilize national and international opinion if necessary.
To those who are using the State apparatus to intimidate others:
Know that you underestimate the determination of the people. The Nation is watching.
History will record your responsibilities. Your arrogance today will not go without political or moral consequences.
Finally, Mr. Minister, I make this last public appeal to you: stop these intimidations.
Act with historical responsibility. Show Cameroon and the world that our institutions respect the law.
If you believe that arresting a candidate is the solution, do it with the dignity of a statesman — but know that the response of the people and the power of legality will be stronger than your threats.
I will not yield to fear or provocation.
We will defend the people’s voice by all legal and peaceful means. Stay calm; stay mobilized; let us together protect democracy.
Long live Cameroon!
Issa Tchiroma Bakary
Candidate of the People — October 12, 2025
Issa Tchiroma Bakary fires back strongly at Atanga Nji, who threatened to have him arrested.
