In a statement released on his Facebook page, Samuel Eto’o, the former African football superstar and current president of the Cameroonian Football Federation (Fécafoot), has emphatically declared that he is not a candidate for the presidency of Cameroon in the 2025 elections.
Eto’o described this clarification as “necessary” to put an end to what he termed an “unhealthy focus” that has caused distress to his family, alarmed his friends, and posed a threat to his security.
Eto’o posted a clear message on his Facebook page on June 13, 2024, stating, “I am not a candidate for the presidency of Cameroon.” He assured that his current role as head of Fécafoot is not a stepping stone to the presidency.
Above the slogan “No to manipulation,” Eto’o’s message begins with, “My dear friends, what would I be without your affection? I am blessed to count my friends by the millions.” He describes himself as a victim of lies and defamation aimed at undermining him. Eto’o reiterated his support for President Paul Biya, whom he voted for in 2018, stating, “I maintain my unwavering support for him,” and added, “I stand by it.” He emphatically reiterated, “I, Samuel Eto’o fils, am not a candidate for the presidency of Cameroon.”
Eto’o explained that this clarification was necessary to stop the “unhealthy focus” that has caused his family distress and his friends fear, while also threatening his security.
In Cameroon, the national team, the Indomitable Lions, has been embroiled in a power struggle between Fécafoot and the Ministry of Sports, which has political implications. The timing of Eto’o’s clarification coincides with this ongoing controversy. According to one of his close associates, “Samuel Eto’o has become frightened.” This week, a video by rapper One Love surfaced, urging Eto’o to run for president. Eto’o’s circle suspects the video was a ploy to make President Biya view Eto’o as a political rival.
Political analyst Manassé Aboya Endong, who is affiliated with the ruling party, believes this clarification is “appropriate” given the growing “insinuations in some circles of the capital” predicting a political future for Eto’o.
However, other observers, such as Professor Thomas Atenga, interpret Eto’o’s declaration of non-candidacy as “an admission of weakness.” They see it as a way for Eto’o to seek “protection from the head of state” in light of threats related to Fécafoot’s financial difficulties and his management of Cameroonian football.