The Social Democratic Front (SDF) political party has strongly criticized the Cameroon English-language daily newspaper, The Guardian Post, for what it describes as an attempt to create a misleading impression that the actions of its chairman are aiding the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) party.
In a statement titled, “The Demagogic and Intentionally Misleading Headline of The Guardian Post,” the SDF’s communication department expressed concern over the newspaper’s editorial.
The SDF claims that the article is not only anti-democratic but also contradicts the principles of a free press.
“We find it deeply concerning that The Guardian Post would seek to attack Hon. Osih, or any other opposition figure, merely for exercising this democratic right. Such an attitude is itself anti-democratic and runs counter to the principles of a free press,” the statement read.
The controversy stems from the newspaper’s edition 3199, published on Wednesday, August 14, 2024.
The editorial, titled “2025 Presidential: How Osih’s SDF Supports CPDM!”, insinuates that at a time when strong opposition is needed, the SDF has chosen a path that benefits the ruling CPDM Party.
The editorial is based on recent reports suggesting that the SDF’s chairman, Hon. Joshua Osih, has declared his candidacy for the 2025 presidential election.
In response, the SDF has denounced the headline as “intentionally misleading,” arguing that it unfairly accuses Hon. Osih of undermining the potential for a united opposition by announcing his presidential bid.
“Let us be clear: every Cameroonian citizen who qualifies by law has the fundamental right to aspire to the highest office in the land,” the SDF stated, emphasizing the democratic rights of its members.
This is not the first time The Guardian Post is coming at logger heads with the SDF.
The party noted that similar criticisms were previously directed at its late chairman, Ni John Fru Ndi, suggesting a possible agenda to discredit a party that has stood for over 34 years in opposition to the current regime and its policies.
The SDF has reiterated its commitment to democratic principles and its determination to continue advocating for the rights and welfare of the Cameroonian people.
