Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, currently 91 years old and Africa’s longest-serving head of state, has announced his intention to run for an unprecedented eighth term in the 2026 presidential election, by which time he will have reached the age of 93.

According to Kennedy Wandera, founder of the Foreign Press Association Africa, citing TheEastAfrican, President Biya has confirmed his candidacy for the upcoming election, scheduled for 2025. If successful, Biya will extend his decades-long rule over Cameroon.

Should President Biya secure re-election and complete the extended seven-year term, he will reach the remarkable age of 100 by 2032.

However, his decision to postpone the election from 2025 to 2026 and pursue another term despite his advanced age has sparked outrage among the opposition in Cameroon, according to the report.

According to the report, opposition candidates may be barred from running, paving the way for Biya to secure another victory and serve an additional seven-year term.

Biya has already held the presidency for 42 years, since 1982, and previously served as Prime Minister for seven years from 1975 to 1982.

In a move that further consolidates his power, Biya has delayed the Parliamentary and Municipal elections until 2026, citing a crowded political calendar.

The report notes that Cameroon’s parliament recently approved this postponement, granting Biya’s request for “breathing space”.