By Ikome Christie-Noella Eposi in Buea
In a significant display of unity and political mobilisation, the South West regional elite of the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) gathered on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the National School of Local Administration (NASLA) Amphitheatre in Buea to declare their unwavering support for President Paul Biya’s candidacy in the October 2025 presidential election.
The high-profile meeting which was a crucial political gathering aimed at strategising for the upcoming presidential election was chaired by H.E. Peter Mafany Musonge, Head of the Permanent Regional Delegation of the CPDM Central Committee for the South West Region and former Prime Minister and featured Prime Minister, Head of Government, Chief Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute as the special guest. Also in attendance were section presidents, mayors, traditional rulers, senior government officials, and CPDM faithful, who together outlined strategies for what they unanimously described as a “non-negotiable landslide victory” for President Biya.
Musonge’s rallying call for unity and mobilisation: loyalty, strategy, and victory
In his opening remarks, Peter Mafany Musonge emphasised the significance of the meeting, describing it as a pivotal moment in the region’s political mobilisation. He also underscored the importance of meticulous preparation and regional cohesion ahead of the elections. He lauded the South West Chiefs Conference for their endorsement of President Biya and called on militants to work diligently toward securing victory. He praised the Chiefs for their commitment to stability and development, highlighting their role in fostering peace and economic growth in the region.
Musonge underlined the importance of unity and preparation, urging CPDM militants to work tirelessly to secure a resounding victory for President Paul Biya in the October elections. “We are all aware of the fact that no election is won in advance. “Our deliberations should be guided by mutual respect, courtesy, objectivity, and constructive contributions. At the end of this meeting, we should be more united, better informed, and well prepared to face any challenges ahead of us.”
The Head of the PRD for the SWR also praised NASLA for hosting the gathering and expressed gratitude to Governor Bernard Okalia Bilai for efforts to restore peace in the region. The former Prime Minister urged grassroots mobilisation and emphasised that only coordinated, localised strategies, not to be discussed in public forums would ensure the CPDM’s resounding victory.
PM Dion Ngute: “Best days of the South West are ahead”
Prime Minister/ Head of Government, Chief Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute provided a comprehensive overview of key development projects in the South West region, addressing longstanding concerns such as the Limbe Deep Seaport, the Tiko Airport, CDC, SONARA, and critical road infrastructure. “Let them not think that something is amiss. Nothing is amiss,” Ngute assured, highlighting the progress being made despite delays.
He explained the methodical steps taken to legalise and operationalise the Limbe Deep Seaport, address land disputes obstructing the Tiko Airport’s redevelopment, and revive critical agricultural institutions like CDC and PAMOL.
Regarding the Limbe Deep Seaport, the Prime Minister detailed the progress made, noting that the legal framework for its autonomy had been established, and the necessary administrative procedures were nearing completion. He assured that the first board meeting of the port would take place soon to pave the way for its operationalisation.
On the Tiko Airport, Dion Ngute explained that land disputes had delayed progress but affirmed that government was actively working to resolve the issue. He emphasised that the airport’s revival was a priority, with necessary approvals and land allocations already in motion.
Turning to the Cameroon Development Corporation (CDC), the Prime Minister highlighted the devastating impact of the crisis on the banana sector, which had been completely halted. However, he noted that efforts to revive CDC were yielding results, with production now reaching 42,000 tons. He also revealed that the government had allocated FCFA 20 billion to settle salary arrears and restructure the corporation.
Regarding SONARA, PM Dion Ngute credited President Biya’s vigilance for ensuring the refinery’s survival despite the destruction of its facilities. He explained that a special pricing structure had been implemented to sustain SONARA, ensuring continued employment for its workers. He dismissed claims that a new refinery would be built elsewhere, stating that the technical and logistical challenges made such a move impractical.
The Prime Minister praised the region’s historical political representation, noting that of the 33 years since 1992, the South West has occupied the office of Prime Minister for 19 years. “What a bounty,” he remarked, noting the symbolic unity of having two Prime Ministers; himself and Musonge, side by side at the event.
Ngute’s remarks underscored a central theme: loyalty to the CPDM and President Biya is linked directly to tangible development benefits for the region. “The choice of a people for a presidential candidate must be predicated upon the welfare benefits of those people,” he declared. “The best days of the South West are ahead and not behind.”
Central resolution: Unwavering support for Paul Biya
The meeting culminated in a powerful collective resolution: the South West CPDM elite unequivocally reaffirmed their loyalty to President Paul Biya, whom they described as the “natural candidate” and “champion” of the party. Section presidents, chiefs, and grassroots leaders vowed to mobilise all corners of the region to secure his victory.
As Dr. Bertha Ndoh Bakata emphasised, “Having had three Prime Ministers, we cannot and we will never try to see that the South West does not vote. This year is a better year, and we are going to do better than we did.”
The Mayor of Buea, Barrister David Mafani Namange echoed similar sentiments, calling the projects proof that “government machinery grinds slowly but surely.” He described the meeting as a strategic planning session aimed at securing victory, “a push factor” and rallying call to galvanise militant efforts toward re-electing President Biya.
Mobilisation plans and electoral strategy
Ngolle Ngolle Elvis, in his detailed presentation on the stakes of the 2025 election, laid out a passionate argument for regional unity, strategic action, and ideological clarity. He warned against being swayed by opposition narratives focusing on President Biya’s age or tenure, calling such critiques distractions aimed at undermining regional stability.
“For the South West, the 2025 Presidential Election is not just another poll. It is a safeguard of our cultural identity, regional development, and political privilege,” Ngolle Ngolle stated. He called for a “commando-style campaign” to ensure every vote in the over 420,000-strong electorate is cast for the CPDM candidate.
Other presentations by Minister Paul Tasong and Mengot Victor focused on financing electoral activities and ensuring transparency and unity throughout the campaign period. Strategies included regional fundraising drives, consultation forums, public marches, and comprehensive voter registration initiatives, particularly promoting biometric enrollment.