Race to Unity Palace: Candidate Hiram Iyodi unveils 12-point programme     .

The 12-point programme titled: “Let’s Free 237”, which he insisted can revive the country’s economy, restore justice, and return sovereignty to the population, was unveiled in Yaounde on September 13. 

Iyodi told reporters that he is determine to usher compatriots in a “new political generation that embodies sovereignty, integrity, and social justice” through the programme which promises across the board reforms. 

‘Let’s Free 237’ programme, he declared, will restore confidence, strengthen social justice, offer opportunities to young people, and promote national sovereignty and free the country from “economic stagnation, embezzlement, and poor governance”. 

Announces end of FCFA 

He said the central pillar of the plan is the immediate withdrawal of Cameroon from the FCFA monetary system, which he described as “a relic of colonial dependence”. 

Iyodi pledged to lead efforts toward the adoption of a Pan-African or regional currency, while spearheading the establishment of the African Monetary Fund. 

“Our economic liberation is not negotiable. We must free ourselves from IMF and World Bank dictates,” he said, promising to reposition Cameroon as a champion of African sovereignty.

Sweeping reforms 

Iyodi also announced sweeping reforms aimed at reducing the size of the current bloated government from 63 to 20 ministers, thereby cutting costs and increasing efficiency. 

He promised the creation of a new anti-corruption authority with full powers to recover embezzled public funds to tackle worsening situation of graft in the country. 

He also talked of strengthening the independence of the judiciary and ensuring every citizen has “systematic access to a lawyer” to make sure justice is not for a “privilege few” 

Iyodi promised to transform the country’s prisons into economic production units to ensure the reintegration of inmates.

Adoption of dialogue & national reconciliation

The FDC candidate positioned himself as a unifier, promising to tackle the crisis in the North West and South West Regions through demilitarisation and inclusive dialogue. 

He announced plans to convene a Sovereign National Conference in 2026 to consensually define the form of the State. 

“Its resolutions will be submitted to the people through a referendum in 2027. Cameroon needs reconciliation, not perpetual conflict,” Iyodi explained.

Economy revival, job creation, infrastructure dev’t 

On the economic front, Iyodi insisted on local value addition and industrialization and vowed to prohibit the export of raw agricultural and mining resources without prior local processing as well as increasing duties on imported goods to protect national industries.

He further promised the asphalting of roads, creation of a river transport network, and the establishment of agricultural growth poles in every department to transform the country into a continental leader in food processing. 

“By 2030, Cameroon must feed Africa with Made in Cameroon products,” he stated.

Iyodi pledged to create two million jobs within seven years, reduce unemployment from 74% to 25%, and set up 500 training centres to equip young people with practical skills.

Changes in education, health sectors 

He also proposed the payment of allowances to parents for each birth, free medical care for pregnant women and children aged 0 to 10, and significant penalties against perpetrators of violence against women and feminicides. 

“A society that neglects its women and children is a society without a future,” he declared.

Teachers and doctors, whom he described as “Servants of the Nation”, Iyodi said would receive special status, their salaries revalued, working conditions and pensions improved added to performance bonuses.

In the education sector, he proposed a single bilingual French-English system, integration of local wealth transformation into curricula, and a school calendar running from January to October. 

“We must modernise classrooms, not just in urban centres but across rural areas,” he said.

Strategic changes in energy, land sectors

Iyodi noted that he envisions an energy independence sector through the exploitation of hydro, solar, wind, and geothermal resources at the communal level. Regional autonomous distribution networks would be created to decentralise electricity production.

On land management, he pledged the abolition of the ministry of land and the restitution of land to local communities, with financial compensation for prior buyers. Acquisition capacity for individuals and legal entities would be capped at two hectares.

Rehabilitation, diaspora engagement

Iyodi said if voted, he will ensure the official and dignified return of the corpse of President Ahmadou Ahidjo alongside the institutional rehabilitation of the country’s founding fathers. 

He announced the creation of a national commemoration week for national heroes and a policy of decolonising street names and public buildings.

Iyodi also expressed strong support for the diaspora, advocating dual nationality, the abolition of visas for Africans and Afro-descendants, and incentives for diaspora investments.

On political coalition 

Iyodi revealed ongoing consultations with fellow opposition candidates to build a common front. 

“I am in favour of an opposition coalition for a consensus candidate. I have already met with nine of the eleven opposition contenders. I am confident that two days after the official launch of the campaign, we will present one candidate to the people,” he said, noting that Cameroonians are “more eager than ever for change”.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3567 of Wednesday September 17, 2025