World oldest Cameroon President declares bid for eighth term

Cameroon’s President, Paul Biya, the world’s oldest serving head of state, has officially declared his intention to contest for an unprecedented eighth term in the country’s upcoming presidential election scheduled for October 12, 2025.

The 92-year-old leader made the announcement on Sunday via posts on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, shared in both English and French.

“I am a candidate for the 12 October 2025 presidential election,” Biya wrote. “Rest assured that my determination to serve you is commensurate with the serious challenges facing us. Together, there are no challenges we cannot meet. The best is still to come.”

Biya, who has been in power since 1982 following the resignation of his predecessor Ahmadou Ahidjo, has ruled Cameroon for over 42 years. If successful in the October polls, his new term could see him remain in office until nearly 100.

In a more detailed declaration, titled “Declaration of Candidacy for the 12 October 2025 Presidential Election,” Biya explained that his decision to recontest was in response to “numerous and insistent calls from the ten regions of our country and from the diaspora.”

He stated: “Ensuring the security and well-being of the sons and daughters of our beloved and beautiful country is the sacred duty to which I have devoted my time and energy since assuming the helm of state… However, much remains to be done.”

Biya’s political longevity has drawn criticism and speculation over the years, particularly regarding his health. Last year, he disappeared from the public eye for 42 days, triggering widespread rumours of ill health, which the government dismissed, even going as far as banning public discussions about it on grounds of national security.

In 2008, the veteran leader abolished term limits, paving the way for his continued stay in power. He won the 2018 election with 71.28% of the vote, amid widespread claims of electoral irregularities and suppression of opposition voices.

While his re-election bid had been widely expected, Sunday’s official confirmation ends months of speculation about whether he would bow out or push further.

Observers say Biya’s long rule has brought both stability and stagnation to Cameroon, a country facing growing economic, political, and security challenges, especially in its Anglophone regions where a separatist crisis continues to fester.

The 2025 presidential election will be closely watched, not just for its outcome, but for what it signals about the future of leadership and democracy in Cameroon.

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