By Enyichukwu Enemanna
President of Cameroon, Paul Biya who has been in power for 42 years is reportedly eyeing the country’s number one seat in an election coming up in 2026.
Biya, 93, has served as the President since 1982. Before then, he served as the Prime Minister for 7 years from 1975 to 1982.
His decision to contest again to lead the former French colony was disclosed on Thursday by the founder of the Foreign Press Association Africa, Kennedy Wandera, citing news media, The EastAfrican.
“Cameroon is due to hold its next presidential election in 2025, longtime President Paul Biya will be 93. He has confirmed that he will contest,” the report read.
It added, “If he wins the election, and completes the new seven-year mandate, Biya will be 100 years in 2032.”
According to the report, Biya who has ruled his country with iron feast has also decided to delay the polls till 2026 to allow him adequate time for preparation for the contest.
He postponed the Parliamentary and Municipal elections until 2026.
“Cameroon’s parliament last month approved Biya’s request to postpone parliamentary and Municipal elections until 2026 to allow some breathing space, claiming that the political calendar is crowded,” the report said.
Heritage Times HT reports that Biya is the second longest serving African leader aside President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo who has ruled Equatorial Guinea for 45 years.
After usurping power through a coup, he nominally returned returned as the country’s civilian leader.
Last month, President Biya’s daughter, Brenda sparked reactions online after her image in which she was kissing a Brazillian model Layyons Valença surfaced online.
“I’m crazy about you & I want the world to know,” the 26-year-old wrote, adding a love heart emoji in the picture posted on Instagram.
Same-sex marriage has been criminalized in the Central African country. Those engaging in same-sex acts or relationships could face up to five years in jail.
Several social media users in Cameroon responded to her post with homophobic comments.
