Nigerian political activist and former Labour Party presidential aspirant, Faduri Oluwadare Joseph, has condemned the recent presidential election in Cameroon, describing it as “a continental shame” and “a mockery of democracy.”
In a speech titled “Africa, The Time Has Come to Rise,” Faduri, popularly known as Fadojoe, declared that the controversial re-election of 93-year-old President Paul Biya, who has ruled Cameroon for over 43 years, symbolises the deep-rooted leadership crisis plaguing Africa.
“The recent so-called election in Cameroon is not just a national disgrace – it is a continental shame,” Fadojoe said.
“A 93-year-old man, who has ruled for over 43 years, has once again been declared the winner in a country of over 29 million people. This is not democracy – it is the mockery of democracy.”
Faduri, who spoke as both a Nigerian and an African voice, lamented that many African nations remain trapped under leaders who manipulate constitutions, rig elections, and suppress dissent in order to maintain their grip on power.
“Across Africa – from Nigeria to Congo, from Sudan to Zimbabwe – we see the same sickness:
leaders who refuse to leave, governments that manipulate elections, and foreign powers that quietly fuel the corruption to keep Africa weak,” he stated.
He blamed the continent’s stagnation on the greed of ageing leaders who, he said, fear educated youth and progress.
“We are a continent blessed with talent, intelligence, and resources – yet we remain poor because our leaders fear progress. They fear educated youth. They fear accountability. They fear change,” he added.
Calling on young Africans to rise against oppression, Fadojoe declared that the time has come for a new generation to end “the curse of leadership without conscience.”
“The African youth are awake. We are tired of watching old men recycle failure and call it experience,” he said.
“Africa must rise – and rise now. Our generation must become the generation that builds systems that work, where votes count, where leaders serve, and where citizens have dignity.”
He further warned those who enable political injustice and corruption in Cameroon and across Africa that history will judge them harshly.
“To the enablers of this tragedy in Cameroon – history will remember you, not as patriots, but as betrayers of your people,” he said.
In a message of solidarity, he urged the youth of Cameroon to stand firm, assuring them that the rest of Africa stands with them in their struggle for justice and democracy.
“If Africa fails in Cameroon, she fails everywhere. But if Africa rises together, no force on earth can hold us down again,” he declared.
Faduri concluded his fiery address with a rallying call for unity, justice, and visionary leadership across the continent:
“No more rulers for life. No more elections without choice. No more silence in the face of injustice. Let the world know that a new Africa is awakening – an Africa led by vision, by justice, and by the strength of her youth.”
