Tchiroma Bakary, one of Biya’s strongest challengers in the recent presidential elections, has already proclaimed himself the winner, even though the electoral commission has not yet officially declared the results. The vote took place on October 12, and the official results are expected to be announced next Monday.

Bakary said his campaign team compiled vote tallies from polling stations across the country, and according to their data, there is no doubt that he won the election.

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However, the ruling party has dismissed Bakary’s claims, insisting that only the electoral commission has the legal authority to announce the final results.

In an interview with the BBC, Bakary urged his supporters not to accept any manipulation of their votes, saying: “We will never accept that our votes be stolen by anyone.”

He added that he is not afraid of being arrested, stating: “I know for sure that I won the presidential election. There is not even the slightest doubt  my victory is undeniable.”

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Issa Tchiroma Bakary, 76, previously served as Minister of Territorial Administration before breaking away from President Paul Biya, 92, who is seeking to extend his 43 years in power in Cameroon.

Tension is currently rising in the country due to delays in publishing the election results, raising fears of potential unrest in a nation already struggling with conflict in Anglophone regions demanding independence and Boko Haram attacks in the north.