The Prime Minister, Chief Dr Joseph Dion Ngute, has declared that re-electing President Paul Biya is the only way for the Southwest Region to safeguard its privileges and continued development. He issued the strong endorsement during the regional launch of the CPDM campaign in Buea on 27th September.
Dion Ngute stressed that the region’s strong representation in government, the National Assembly, and the Senate, alongside major projects like the Kumba Gas Plant, were all fruits of President Biya’s commitment. He warned that these gains would be at risk if anyone else were to win the 12th October 2025 presidential election.
“Politics is a game of interest, and President Biya has the interest of the Southwest Region at heart,” the Prime Minister stated.
He also firmly dismissed rumours that the National Oil Refinery, SONARA, is to be relocated. Pointing to the ongoing reconstruction of sections damaged by a fire in 2019, he asserted that the facility remains a cornerstone of the region’s infrastructure.
The PM promised that further development was in the pipeline, highlighting intensified plans for the Limbe Deep Seaport, the construction of the Bekoko-Idenau road, and the development of Tiko Airport. He cautioned that a vote for any other candidate would have “disastrous consequences” for the region.
Responding to criticism about the 92-year-old President’s age and fitness for office, the Prime Minister dismissed the claims as unreasonable. In a colourful analogy aimed at the agrarian community, he asked, “Those of you who are cocoa farmers, do you cut down a cocoa tree because it is old?” The crowd responded with cries of “No! No!”
“President Biya has made me his legs, so that where he cannot go, I would go,” he told CPDM supporters and sympathisers.
Echoing the Prime Minister’s call, Senator Nfor Tabetando, Interim Regional Delegate of the CPDM Southwest Permanent Delegation, said it was time for the people of the Southwest to honour the numerous motions of support they had sent to the Head of State. He urged CPDM elites and campaign committees to “spare no effort” in taking Biya’s New Deal message to every household in the region.
Senator Tabetando also warned against complacency. “The Southwest is a CPDM lstronghold, but we should not rest on our laurels,” he said, adding, “No two elections are the same.”
This message of a renewed, grassroots-focused campaign was a central theme. Professor Elvis Ngole Ngole, Director of the CPDM Academy, outlined a strategy that prioritises social media to win over young voters and a door-to-door approach to ensure inclusivity. This drive seeks to underscore President Biya’s pledge that, if re-elected, the next seven years would be specially dedicated to the youth and women of Cameroon.
