Can’t beat them, join them:

At Last, Lion Hunter Ekindi, Embraces Biya

Jean Jacque Ekindi

Jean Jacque Ekindi, leader of the Progressive Movement has ended his 26 years of opposing the political ideologies of incumbent president Paul Biya.

            He has rather endorsed the 85 years old’s candidature for the October 7 poll.

            Speaking at a press conference, in Douala Thursday, Ekindi broke the news to the media that he is in support of Biya ruling Cameroon for the next seven years.

            Thursday’s pronouncement is in contrast with Ekindi’s political ideologies for over two decades since he entered the political arena.

            The MP leader said, President Biya is the man with the experience and stamina to stabilise the many challenges facing Cameroon. He said his endorsement does not mean the Biya era of leadership is void of weakness.

            Just over a month ago, the same politician had announced that, he was not going to be a candidate at the Presidential elections. Back then, he did not offer explanations over his reasons.

            His main pronouncement then was that only a united opposition can defeat President Biya in any election.

            Thus, Ekindi at his outing in support for the CPDM candidate faulted the current Presidential candidates for failing to form a united opposition days to the Presidential race.

            Observers see Ekindi’s outing as a calculated political move to reap from a long time political rival as a new breed of opposition candidates continue to erode support from old critics of the Biya regime.

            Ekindi’s add to that of others like Jean De Dieu Momo of PADDEC. Barrister Momo had been a long time critic of the Biya regime, but in July this year, Momo joined a group of some 20 opposition parties to endorse Biya for re-election.

            He came under fire with many suspecting that he had collected money. Yet the advocate cum politician said he did not receive any money to make the decision.

            Weeks after, a faction of PADDEC decamped to join Maurice Kamto’s Cameroon Renaissance Movement (CRM).

            The faction faulted Momo for failing to consult other party leaders.