October 12 poll: Dismissed SDF officials join UNDP, endorse Bello Bouba.

The former SDF officials, who were sacked under the SDF’s late National Chairman, Ni John Fru Ndi, for allegedly violating party rules, announced their defection during a press briefing in Bamenda on Saturday, August 12. The press briefing was presided by UNDP Secretary General, Senator Pierre Flambeau Ngayap. 

During the event, Hon. Yoyo Emmanuel, former Member of Parliament and Financial Secretary of the SDF, presented a signed declaration on behalf of the group. 

He explained that their endorsement of Bello Bouba stems from a conviction that the UNDP’s programme is the only one capable of addressing the country’s current challenges. 

He revealed that there are some captivating ideas presented by the UNDP in its political programme that aim at bringing about lasting peace and reconciliation in Cameroon, most particularly in the crisis-battered English-speaking regions.

Among the proposals he highlighted were the return to federalism, the creation of a Vice-President post, and the institution of a rotational presidency between Anglophones and Francophones. 

The group argued that Bello Bouba represents a “clean and experienced” leader who can end the protracted armed conflict in the Anglophone regions through “humane and realistic policies” including the release of political prisoners, general amnesty, and inclusive national dialogue.

“This marks a commitment to reconciliation and national renewal,” Hon Yoyo stated, urging Cameroonians to rally behind Bello Bouba in October to usher in a new leadership in the country.

"We have been very attentive, curious and vigilant and have analyzed the future programmes or political agenda of every political party and its candidates for the forthcoming presidential elections. Our conclusion, our belief is that the NUDP Party and its candidate is the only political formation whose political and economic programmes reflect much of what Cameroonians in general and Anglophones in particular look forward to at this very trying moment in the life of our country. Cameroon today is a country and not a nation because of the war imposed on the Anglophone part of the country due to the naivety and arrogance of some individuals in authority who do not see any need for an end to the war," Hon Yoyo asserted.

He added that Bello Bouba is seen by Cameroonians as a leader who is devoid of scandals. In that regard he opined that the G27+ members from the North West Region think that he is the man of the moment. Yoyo stated that Bello Bouba is somebody who can bring an end to Anglophone crisis.

Credible path forward

On his part, Senator Pierre Flambeau Ngayap, while expressing the UNDP National President’s delight in welcoming the G27+ members into the party, described the occasion as “a celebration of the decision of former SDF leaders to join a party that offers Cameroon a credible path forward”. 

He added that the UNDP is dynamic and well-structured with representatives in the Senate, the National Assembly, Regional Council and municipal councils. He asserted that the UNDP is the second political force in the country.

Senator Ngayap announced a national tour by Bello Bouba starting in September. The North West G27+ member’s decision to join the UNDP comes after that of their West Region counterparts, led by Hon. Tsoumelou Jean, who joined the UNDP in Bafoussam weeks ago. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3537 of Monday August 18, 2025