October 12 poll: MINAT boss says dismantles network of opposition fraudsters.

The platform, he stated, is designed and “dedicated exclusively to compile the results at the close of the polls” and “proclaim truncated results of the presidential election in their favour, in defiance of the laws in force.

The member of government made the declaration during a press conference in Yaounde, last Friday, September 27.

He warned political actors and civil society figures seeking to undermine the credibility of the upcoming presidential election.

Without calling names, Atanga Nji said the malicious act that has been thwarted, was orchestrated by “unscrupulous politicians who hope to achieve through street protests, what they are unable to achieve through the ballot box”. 

He said those behind the scheme have recruited an agent lying in a hotel room in Yaounde, who will publish false results from imaginary polling stations across the country, in favour of their candidate or candidates.

“These lightweight politicians, good at manipulating public opinion, have bought mobile phones, recruited naive young people and tasked them with sharing falsified results as from 6p.m., after the close of polls. The police, he announced, have arrested a number of individuals with more than 100 mobile phones, and who have confessed. These are matters of extreme gravity, which the Ministry of Territorial Administration vehemently condemns,” he revealed. 

The minister warned “all political stakeholders involved in the “criminal endeavour to abandon” the “deceptive campaign, which dishonours them and demonstrates that they are not worthy to run as presidential candidates”. 

The minister reminded stakeholders that the Constitutional Council remains the sole body legally mandated to proclaim the results of presidential election. He said any attempt to bypass the body amounts to subverting State institutions.

He further reiterated that Elections Cameroon, ELECAM, is an independent body in charge of organising the election, while the Ministry of Territorial Administration, through administrative authorities, provides the necessary security and ensures compliance with the law.

Warns against provocation

Minister Atanga Nji also warned against what he described as the politics of provocation, employed by some opposition parties. 

He argued that they are dependent on disinformation, rather than engaging citizens through policies and programmes.

“These politicians are good at manipulating public opinion, but they will not succeed. Those arrested have already confessed. Others planning to join this criminal endeavor should surrender themselves before the police come for them,” the minister warned.

He insisted that government is determined to enforce the rule of law while warning that offenders will be prosecuted and sentenced without leniency.

“We will start with arrests. The law will prevail…anyone who dares to disrupt the electoral process will confront the full force of the State,” he warned.

Accreditation of election observers 

Minister Atanga Nji was categorical that accreditation of election observers is the sole prerogative of the Ministry of Territorial Administration. 

He dismissed claims by certain activists, including that of a young female lawyer in Douala, who allegedly claimed to issue accreditation to foreign observers.

“MINAT alone has the exclusive prerogatives to grant accreditation to national and international observers. No individual or parallel structure can arrogate this right to themselves,” he declared.

He added that to promote transparency, the ministry has made available two key documents to candidates and observers viz; the Observer’s Guide and the Legal Framework Governing the Electoral Process. These, the minister said, will remind stakeholders of their rights and obligations.

Call for peace, responsibility

Echoing President Paul Biya’s 2025 New Year message to compatriots, Atanga Nji called on political leaders, candidates, and citizens to demonstrate maturity and responsibility throughout the electoral season.

“The year 2025 will usher in a new season of elections. Let us take this opportunity to further strengthen our democracy. I call on all stakeholders to show proof of maturity and responsibility and to ensure that peace and stability prevail before, during and after these elections,” he quoted President Biya as saying. 

He urged parents to caution their children against being manipulated by politicians with hidden agendas.

“Cameroonians are not fools,” he said. “Those who spread lies and attempt to disrupt the peace will be treated as outlaws. After October 12, any candidate with grievances must use the legal channels of redress, otherwise they will face the full weight of the law,” he added. 

Insists security reinforced

The minister said government has instructed all administrative authorities to heighten security measures as well as ensure an organised, credible, and peaceful election throughout their areas of command. 

“The protection of people and property is a constitutional obligation. The State is equipped with all legitimate authority to enforce order. No excesses will be tolerated,” he stated. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3579 of Monday September 29, 2025