Cameroon’s 92-year-old President Paul Biya, who has held an iron grip on the Central African nation for nearly 43 years has launched a reelection bid that could keep him in power until almost his 100th birthday.

YAOUNDE, Cameroon (AP) — Cameroon’s 92-year-old president announced Sunday he will seek his eighth term in the upcoming October elections. The announcement comes after months of speculation that the aging leader would not run, setting the stage for an electoral showdown.

The announcement, made via social media, mirrors his 2018 campaign launch — the first time he used a digital platform to engage the public directly.