As news broke that militants, supporters, and sympathizers of the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) were actively raising funds for President Paul Biya’s reelection campaign, reactions have been mixed. However, CPDM elites from the North West Region are standing firm, citing both duty and necessity.
North West CPDM Raises 255 Million FCFA in One Sitting
At a high-profile fundraising event held on Saturday, August 30 in Yaounde, the North West elite of the CPDM raised an impressive 255 million FCFA in a single session. The initiative marks the first phase of a broader national mobilization drive by North West CPDM leaders to secure resources for President Biya’s campaign ahead of the October 12 presidential election.
The event was not only a financial success but also a show of unity and commitment, as key figures rallied behind the CPDM’s National President.
“We Need to Market Our Candidate” – Prof Fuh Calistus
Speaking the following day on Cameroon Radio Television (CRTV), Prof Fuh Calistus Gentry, Interim Minister of Mines, Industry and Technological Development, and Chairperson of the North West CPDM Elite Finance Committee, laid out the rationale behind the fundraising.
« We need to market our candidate,” Prof Fuh declared. “President Paul Biya remains the most credible, experienced, and unifying leader this country has. Selling that vision takes commitment—and it takes resources.”
He also pointed to the region’s unique challenges, notably the displacement of voters due to security issues.
« We have many people in Bamenda who ought to vote in Nkambe. Others from Boyo are currently away from their polling stations. Voting is a civic right, and we must ensure that our people are empowered to exercise that right,” he emphasized.
Top Contributors
The Yaounde fundraiser featured contributions from top CPDM figures, business leaders, and supporters from beyond the North West:
Shey Jones Yembe, former cabinet minister and now prominent businessman – 25 million FCFA
Che Linidolf, President Director General of Merdolf Sarl Group – over 8 million FCFA
Judith Yah Sunday epse Achidi, General Manager of CAMTEL and CPDM Central Committee Member – coordinated fundraising efforts in the Centre Region
Willy Frank Kepeden, a « friend of the North West CPDM » – 20 million FCFA
Prof Fuh highlighted that participation was entirely voluntary:
« Nobody is forced. People from all walks of life came forward. We even had someone from the Centre Region make a colossal donation,” he said, citing it as evidence of national unity under President Biya’s leadership.
Next Steps
The Finance Committee, operating under the North West CPDM Central Committee Permanent Regional Delegation led by Senator Regina Mundi, has set an ambitious goal of 300 million FCFA. The next leg of the fundraising campaign will be held in Douala, Littoral Region, and is being coordinated by business magnate John Achu.
“Reaffirming Our Place in CPDM History”
For Prof Fuh, this campaign is about more than money:
« The CPDM was born in the North West [March 24, 1985]. It is only natural that we lead the charge in taking our candidate—our President—back to Etoudi,” he noted.
He also reminded critics that promoting a candidate in a democracy is essential:
« Campaigning means posters, media, mobilization, and logistics. It means reaching hearts and minds. That is how democracy works—and we are proud to do it.”
As the October election approaches, the North West CPDM elite say they are determined to ensure that President Paul Biya, whom they describe as a symbol of continuity, peace, and progress, remains a trusted and visible leader across Cameroon.
« We are not just raising funds—we are raising hope, trust, and national resolve,” Prof Fuh concluded.
