SDF: New leadership, new era begins tomorrow.

Although an internal party election, most Cameroonians appear to be expecting a nail-biting finish, given the intrigues that have so far characterised the build-up to the convention.

Besides rekindling the 1990-typed spirit of the SDF, which could reposition the party as the country’s leading opposition political party, the winner of this weekend’s chairmanship election, will also be confronted with the challenge of uniting the party which has been fragmented by intestinal wranglings.

The Organising Committee of this weekend’s Yaounde convention had last week stated its level of preparedness ahead of the elective convention. 

Over 2,400 delegates from the various Electoral Districts of the party nationwide are going to vote a new leadership.

Several high-level guests, including government officials, leaders of sister political parties and foreign dignitaries, are expected at the two-day mega gathering.

It will be the first time since the creation of the SDF that elections will be held without the late Ni John Fru Ndi.

The late Ni John Fru Ndi had overwhelmingly won all elections as national chieftain of the SDF since 1992 prior to his demise this year.

He had, however, announced two years ago his plans not to seek reelection at the belated elective convention which opens today in Yaounde.

Before quitting the scene, it was repeatedly mentioned in different quarters that Fru Ndi was grooming the party’s 1^st Vice National President, Hon Joshua Osih, as his unconstitutional successor. 

Race to chairmanship tougher than expected

However, the race to the SDF chairmanship position appears not an easy ride for Hon Osih, who is currently facing a stiff challenge from SDF Limbe I Electoral District Chair, Ndenge Godden Zama, who is tipped favourite for the coveted position. 

There is also SDF Donga Mantung Divisional Coordinator, Shewa David, who is eyeing the top job. But the battle is said to be between Godden Zama and Hon Osih. 

Hon Osih’s lofty promises

Hon Osih has been campaigning on the platform of transforming the SDF into a status befitting of his position as one of the frontline opposition political parties in the country.

He has pledged “to provide the Social Democratic Front with a national headquarters worthy of our love for the SDF”.

In his campaign flyers making the rounds on social media, Hon Osih has stated that: “This headquarters will have offices equipped with computer equipment, a live office and above all, a conference room which will bear the name of our late leader.  Together, we will make it happen”.

Zama proposing era of accountability…

For his part, the very youthful, yet experienced Godden Zama, has been campaigning on the platform of accountability, transparency, accessibility and integrity. 

He has insisted that “strong leadership is what our party needs”.

Godden Zama, just like his two challengers, Hon Osih and Shewa David, have been touring the country, canvassing for votes. 

They have been meeting with delegates from the various Electoral Districts of the party who are expected to take part at this weekend’s election. 

Tight race for other NEC positions

Besides the candidates vying for the post of National Chairman of the SDF, there are other contestants who are eyeing key positions with the National Executive Committee, NEC of the party.

Three candidates including former Kumbo Mayor, Njong Donatus, Senator Mochiggle Vanigansen and former senator, Haman Paul are gunning for the post of 1^st National Vice President of the SDF. All three candidates are heavyweights and time-tested supporters of the party. 

While Mayor Njong Donatus is tipped favourite for the position, the race to victory promises will not be all rosy for the contestants.

There also two candidates eyeing the position of 2^nd National Vice President of the SDF. They include Louis Marie Kadeu and Djeumeni Benilde. Just a single candidate, Fadimatou Mohamadou Dewa, is contesting for the post of 3^rd National Vice President. Ware David and Mbia Alain Roger are running unchallenged for the post of 4^th and 5^th National Vice Presidents respectively.

It is same scenario for the positions of the National Treasurer and National Financial Secretary, where former Bafut Mayor, Langsi Abel and Tagne Ngeko Emmanuel are respectively gunning for the positions unopposed.

Journalist, Kejang Henry, will also run for office of National Communication Secretary unchallenged.

Difficult choices for delegates

When delegates from across the country converge on Yaounde today for the elective convention, they are likely to be confronted with the big challenge of picking a successor of the late emblematic Ni John Fru Ndi. 

All three candidates for post of National Chairman, are said to be presenting enticing manifestos and keeping their trump card close to their chests. 

While Hon Osih is said to be having a strong following in the Littoral Region, his political base, Godden Zama, we gathered, has the admiration and support of the youth of the party. 

Admired for his charisma and his trappings as a grassroots politician and mobiliser, Godden Zama is said to have the backing of delegates of the South West Region. He is also said to be the choice of delegates of the North West, his Region of origin. 

He has been crisscrossing the Northern Regions in search of votes. It is left to be seen who emerges SDF National Chairman tomorrow when delegates take to the ballot box to elect the party’s new leader and the other NEC members. 

That, of course, will usher in a new leadership and a new era for the once buoyant SDF, whose launching on May 1992, in Bamenda, claimed six innocent lives.