By Enyichukwu Enemanna
A prominent opposition candidate in Cameroon, Akere Tabeng Muna, has challenged President Paul Biya’s bid to run for eighth term in office, citing his age and persistent ill health.
Muna, a former bar president, in a formal petition before the Constitutional Council alleges that Biya is constitutionally ineligible to run under Article 118 of the electoral code.
The motion cites Biya’s advanced age, recurrent visit to foreign hospitals and presumed dependency on third parties to make decisions as grounds for his disqualification.
The opposition leader emphasizes that this is not a political attack but a legal imperative to uphold the state of law. The ruling is expected this Friday at 11 a.m. at the Palais des Congrès in the capital.
The legal challenge comes amid allegation that state institutions are being used to stifle opposition and fair play.
The Constitutional Council had recently upheld the exclusion of Paul Biya’s major rival, Maurice Kamto, from the ballot, raising serious doubts over the credibility of the electoral process.
Human Rights Watch has condemned the decision, and pro-Kamto protesters were tear-gassed during demonstrations in Yaoundé.
Biya, 92 came to power in 1982. He is one of the longest-serving—and oldest—heads of state globally.
He had confirmed his candidacy in the October election through a social media post.
As Cameroonians await the court’s verdict, tensions run high, reflecting widespread concerns over health, governance, and ballot integrity in a country where President Biya’s over four decades grip shows no sign of easing.
