Ahead of elective convention: SDF unveils list of candidates for post of national chairman.

This was during a press conference granted by the President of the Organising Committee of the forthcoming SDF Elective Convention, to run from October 27-28, 2023 in Yaounde.

The Chairman of the Organising Committee of the convention, Njong Donatus, spoke to newsmen in the presence of the Secretary General of the political outfit, Barrister Djombang Adeline Lord.

Candidates retained for the coveted position of National Chairman of the SDF, include SDF Limbe I Electoral District Chairman, Godden Zama Ndenge; SDF Donga Mantung Divisional Coordinator, Shewa David and Wouri Centre Member of Parliament, Hon Osih Joshua. 

The three candidates were all retained for the race, after fulfilling the conditions to run for the office of SDF National Chairman. 

The conditions included the deposit of a non-refundable caution fee of FCFA 7 million. 

The race promises to produce fireworks as all three candidates speak of their readiness to replace the late National Chairman of the SDF, Ni John Fru Ndi. 

Even though Hon Joshua Osih is said to have been the choice of the late Ni John Fru Ndi, the very youthful, yet experienced and politically stable Godden Zama, has promised to give the lawmaker a run for his money. 

Zama has been touring parts of the country, canvassing for votes. He is said to have a huge following in the South West, North West, Littoral, Centre, South, Far North, North and West Regions.

Hon Joshua Osih

Sources within the SDF say delegates are poised to settle only for the candidate who will not use the party to enrich himself, continuously strike deals with the Biya regime and make the once-buoyant opposition outfit look like an arm of the ruling Cameroon’s People’s Democratic Movement, CPDM.   

All set for elective convention

Meanwhile, speaking before fielding questions from reporters at yesterday’s press conference in Yaounde, Njong Donatus, who served as mayor of the Kumbo Council for over two decades, said: “I feel very humbled that the last and most important assignment that our great leader, Chairman Ni John Fru Ndi, did on earth, was to assign me to take care and ensure that the daunting task comes to fruition”.

Godden Zama Ndenge

Speaking further on the level of preparedness of the forthcoming convention, Njong stated that preparations are far advanced.

He disclosed that the forthcoming 10th Ordinary Convention of the SDF, will be held at the Multipurpose Sports Complex in Yaounde. 

He said the party is expecting over 2,000 delegates to attend the convention. 

“Friendly political parties in and out of the country, have been invited. Many have indicated their willingness to attend. Other associations-local and international institutions and important personalities and well-wishers have equally confirmed their presence,” Njong said.

Shewa David

He stated that: “It will be a convention of camaraderie and exchange, not only within our SDF family but without. It is a convention being prepared on the ground of ensuring that the new Cameroon that we envisaged, the federal Cameroon that we want to lay the basis of the progress and development of this country, will kick-start. That is why the theme of this Ordinary Convention is: ‘Together, transform and continue more determined’”.

Speaking further, Njong regretted that: “This landmark event will take place barely four months after the passing onto eternal glory of our National Chairman, Ni John Fru Ndi”. 

He said the demise Fru Ndi, whom he described as a patriot, leader, one of the Founding Fathers of the SDF and father of democracy in Cameroon, has left an indelible vacuum in the political outfit and the nation at large.

“…whatever we will do, we will do it to maintain the legacy of this great man and to ensure that, at the end of it all, we will come out…strong and make him proud where-ever he is,” he concluded.