Over 2,000 militants from 30 subsections of the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement, CPDM party in Fako III (Buea) have endorsed the Mayor of Buea, Patrick Esunge Ekema to run for section president.

The militants thronged the CBC School Field in Mile 16, Buea on Monday, September 28, during a grand rally organised by the mayor following mounting calls for him to run for the party’s top office in Buea.

Twenty three subsections and the Buea and Fako conferences of chiefs had independently written to Ekema, asking him to heed the calls and run for the Fako III CPDM Section presidency.

From the Bojongo Central subsection to the Bokwoango-Nanga’a subsection and from Molyko-Wokoko to Mile 16, the call was the same; that their mayor should do them good by running for president of their section.

At Monday’s rally, Chief Johnson Njombe Njoke, President of Buea Chiefs’ Conference and Chief Richard Kombe Ndike, Secretary General of the Fako Chiefs’ Conference read endorsements for Ekema’s candidacy. The over two dozen chiefs who attended the rally poured libations shortly after the event commenced.

Those who want Patrick Ekema for the section presidency say his political resume is reach and unmatched. They say that their call is based on the enormous development strides that he has embarked on within the municipality since he became Mayor.

At the ceremony, Ekema gathered courage and announced his candidacy for the race to Fako III CPDM Section presidency. However, his declaration appears to be at variance with the wish of a Lifaka-led consensus committee set up by CPDM politburo member, Peter Mafany Musonge, (Senator).

Supporters of the Mayor have been quick to wave aside such consensus deals, maintaining that the circular of the party chairman laying out guidelines for the reorganisation exercise gives no room for consensus of any sort.

Such proponents hold that the circular clearly states the eligibility criteria for the elections, which Ekema meets. Thus, to them, he has all the political acumen to run for the office, further arguing that the reorganisation activity is a grassroots exercise which must not be dictated by the of elite in Yaoundé who have their own selfish political interests.

“Be very vigilant! Don’t allow what happened in 2002 in Fako III to repeat itself again. When the time comes, vote for the person you like…Is Yaoundé Buea?” Lyonga John Efande, second deputy mayor of the Buea council, charged, amidst deafening applauses from the multitude.

Ekema, who was the last person to speak, said it was with delight that he decided to respond to the call from militants of the 30 sub-sections of the party in Buea, calling on him to put forward his candidature. He expressed readiness to go in and work for the good of the people and the party.

As to why he chose mile 16 to declare, he simply said: “This is my political base.” He then urged the people to stay calm and be vigilant given the current trends of insecurity in the country, adding that whenever party boss, Paul Biya, would give the green light for campaigns, he’ll be back to do so.

Ekema’s declaration now means there are two contenders; himself and David Mafani Namange; given that incumbent, Senator Charles Mbella Moki, had long stepped aside.

Going by the turn of events, a spirited Ekema is set to crush any form of consensus list, even if it is headed by a Fako CPDM top shot from Yaoundé.