The National Chairman for the Social Democratic Front (SDF) has called on Cameroonians not to be distracted by issues that are not important in an electoral year, such as the call for a coalition. Hon. Joshua Osih said, “When people talk about coalitions, it is a distraction because opposition is not a common family… Democracy is about going to elections, having choices, making informed choices, choosing who leads you for the next seven years. That’s why we are going into these elections. So, we should not be distracted with anything that pushes for Cameroonians not to come out, which makes it such that the abstention rate is extremely high in Cameroon because of all these debates.
“He enjoined all and sundry to come back to the essentials. “Let it not be about Joshua Osih, let it not be about individuals, let it be about where Cameroon is going to and where we want to see Cameroon tomorrow.” Hon. Joshua Osih was speaking to journalists after chairing a pivotal National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on May 24th, aimed at discussing the party’s strategies, policies, and initiatives as they work towards the upcoming elections, at the party secretariat in Bafoussam, West region, with over 80% of its members in attendance.
The meeting took place at a time when the party in the West region, and Bafoussam especially, being a stronghold of the SDF, is facing serious intra-party strife and leadership problems. The National Chairman said forming a coalition simply means “you are shifting your responsibility. Go out and vote. If you are given 10 choices, choose the one you think best fits your future and vote for him or her and stop complaining because you have choices. Because what you are doing is simply shifting your responsibility of making that choice to the leaders.
“He added that “if the debate is on who is going to be the candidate, I can tell you that I wish everybody who wants to be a candidate to stand. I am against the fact that people are blocked from standing, and I welcome all those who want to come on board and let the best win. That is why I am a democrat, but I don’t think it is fair to distract Cameroonians with candidatures at this time.
“Hon. Osih equally discouraged pointless debates during the election year. “It makes no sense to complain about the electoral code during an election year. The focus must be on elections and national issues. Any member found on TV or radio discussing irrelevant topics will face sanctions.
“Addressing the conclave, National Chairman Hon. Joshua Osih expressed deep appreciation to party members for their impressive mobilisation during the May 20th National Day celebrations. “This demonstration of our resilience is already triggering seismic reactions across Cameroon,” he noted, referencing attempts to suppress the party’s growing force.
He cited the Obala incident, where SDF was denied authorisation to host a rally, revealing that reports suggest that the ruling CPDM feared the event could attract over 5,000 participants and significantly weaken their base.
On the internal crisis in Bafoussam, Hon. Osih acknowledged the concerns and assured members that the party was fully aware of the issues affecting the West Region, particularly the Mifi Division. He declared that no stone would be left unturned in resolving the matter.
The Chairman emphasised the vital role of polling agents in winning an election, stressing that having them would allow the party to control and defend its results. He also highlighted the importance of digital literacy and data-driven politics, warning that complacency in this domain would not be tolerated during the investiture process.
On political discipline, Hon. Osih condemned internal sabotage and personal ambition, stating that any member who engages only for personal interest is a traitor. The meeting discussed various matters, including the party’s status in joint ELECAM commissions, the nationwide update of polling agents, and preparations for the SDF’s 35th anniversary and the 2025 presidential election.
The party revealed plans to adopt a crowd-funding model, with procedures to be soon finalised, and unveiled a digital membership card system featuring advanced security features. The conclave ended with NEC reaffirming its commitment to reinforcing the party’s national database and expanding grassroots engagement across the country.
By Lindsay Agbor
