Issa Tchiroma, Presidential hopeful from the North.
The northern regional capital of Garoua gave a heroic welcome to Issa Tchiroma Bakary, President of the National Front for the Salvation of Cameroon (FSNC) and declared candidate for the upcoming presidential election on October 12.
Arriving the Garoua airport over the weekend, Tchiroma was received by an impressive crowd of supporters dressed in party colors, like a true son of the soil.
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In the streets, hundreds of onlookers and supporters gathered to catch a glimpse of the man they consider a bearer of democratic hope and a promise of change.
It was a carnival of sorts and heroic welcome in Garoua as people poured in their numbers onto the streets to welcome their son who evidently now inspires and gives them hope for a change.
Tchiroma, overwhelmed by the crowd that thronged the city, gave a thankful wave symbolising his gratitude to the people for the support they are promising to give him in the upcoming election.
For Issa Tchiroma Bakary, this trip to Garoua over the weekend was more than just a courtesy visit.
It carried the weight of a meeting with his militant in one of the party’s strong hold. The FSNC leader called for a massive vote in favor of his party, emphasizing his vision of governance that is “transparent, fair, and responsive to the real aspirations of Cameroonians.”
In a political climate now tense and characterized by mistrust and skepticism, Tchiroma’s message sounded like a challenge.
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His supporters say they see it as a sincere commitment, while his detractors dismiss it as a shrewd electoral strategy.
 Political observers however say the impact of the massive crowd that turned out in Garoua over the weekend rally Garoua, will linger throughout the campaign period and it is indicative that the electoral battle is well and truly on course.
