October 12 poll: Atanga, Tchiroma in war of words.

At a media briefing in Yaounde, Atanga Nji said the actions of Tchiroma go contrary to the laws in force and won’t be tolerated. He asserted that throughout the campaigns for yesterday’s election, the Head of State had instructed that there should be some degree of administrative tolerance. With voting already done, Atanga Nji said the time for excesses and reckless is over.

He told the press that within the 10 days of campaigns, “… I have been hearing about platforms created by a presidential candidate, purportedly to count ballots in the ten Regions. I have also learned, through international media, about a trade union that has set up a platform to count votes and announce the results of the presidential election…”.

Linking the accusations to Tchiroma, Atanga Nji further noted that “…there is equally an initiative by a young lawyer in Douala, who has created an application to count votes and publish the election results”.

“Abandon criminal initiative”

The MINAT boss appealed to candidates in yesterday’s election “…especially those conspiring with people of dubious character, with plans to activate these illegal platforms, to abandon this criminal initiative which cannot prevail”.

He insisted that only the Constitutional Council has the right to proclaim the results of the election. This, the territorial administration boss noted, will be after electoral disputes are resolved.

“…I stated in Cameroon Tribune of Monday, 1st July 2002, that any unilateral publication of election results is high treason,” Atanga Nji recalled, reiterating that as the head of MINAT “… I repeat that those who will attempt to announce results of the presidential election or any self-proclaimed victory in violation of the laws of the Republic would have crossed the red line…”.

He warned that anyone who dares declare results, “…should be ready to face the retaliatory measures commensurate to their crime”.

“You don’t have three amoured doors…”.

Atanga Nji further insinuated that Tchiroma, without mentioning his name, had decided to end his campaign in his native Garoua, with plans to declare himself victor of yesterday’s election, against the rules of the game.

He insisted that: “This candidate, who is nursing such outdated and diabolical ideas, should know that his house does not have three armoured doors, and that in the event of the least blunder, MINAT will take action and the law must prevail”.  Atanga Nji further declared that being a presidential candidate does not give anyone immunity.

“…no law recognises vote-counting platforms’

Atanga Nji was firm that the “…laws of our nation Cameroon do not recognise vote-counting platforms and, worse still, proclaiming the results of a presidential election,” harping that: “Those who want to use the presidential election as a pretext to incite social upheaval aimed at causing a well-planned uprising should be very careful.

“They will not even have the opportunity to execute their diabolic plan. The claim to announce the presidential election results in lieu of the competent bodies is sham”.

‘Wait for results quietly’

While insisting that every candidate knows his/her political weight, Atanga Nji said they should wait for the results quietly. He insisted that: “Deception has no place in Cameroon. A candidate who is politically present in 10 out of 360 sub divisions and who even witnessed numerous cases of carpet crossing from their party, cannot claim to win a presidential election in Cameroon”. He asked candidates to show “humility and political maturity”.

“You’re free to visit marabouts”

Without mentioning names, the minister affirmed that: “… People are free to visit marabouts who make them to believe in a hypothetical national destiny,” adding that: “Any attempt to defy State authority before, during and after the presidential election shall be dealt with squarely”.

Condemns Tchiroma’s pro-separatists’ remarks 

Revisiting the remarks of Issa Tchiroma, while on campaign in Bamenda, wherein he stated Chris Anu is his friend, Atanga Nji slammed the FSNC candidate.

“… we condemn reckless remarks from a candidate who thinks he can do whatever he likes; to the point of publicly defending terrorism and boasting about his connections with a dangerous terrorist who has committed untold atrocities in the North West and South West Regions”.

Tchiroma firs back, dares Atanga Nji

In response to Atanga Nji’s outing, Tchiroma issued a release, last Saturday October 11, daring the Minister of Territoral Administration to arrest him. He said Article 113 of the Electoral Code and “the elementary rules of democracy allow the publication and circulation of trends, arising from voting”.

He told Atanga Nji in his piece that “…if you are convinced of the legality of your threats, come and assume it yourself publicly”, insisting that: 

“The government must not hide behind anonymous intimidation or orders given in the shadows”.

The former minister reiterated that “…the country deserves clarity: If you hear me, stop, Mr Minister, do it in person and assume your actions before the nation”.

Tchiroma went on, insisting that history will hold Atanga Nji responsible. “…your arrogance today will not go without political and moral consequences”.

Response of population stronger than threats

Atanga Nji, Tchiroma said, must “…show the world that our institutions respect the law,” warning that: “If you think arresting a candidate is the answer, do it with dignity of a public official-but know that the response of the people and the force of the law will be more powerful than your threats”.

He vowed not to yield to fear or intimidation, stating that he will use every legal and peaceful means to defend the “voice of the people”. 

Tchiroma added that “…we have set up review teams, a legal mechanism and a transmission channel to collect and publish…”. 

The candidate also talked of mobilising the national and international community “if necessary”. The FSNC leader also appealed to security forces to refuse orders to “intimidate” and “oppress” the population.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3593 of Monday October 13, 2025