Race to replace late SDF national chairman Ni John Fru Ndi gains steam with two candidates known.

Two candidates, MMI gathered, are in the race for the party’s top leadership. The first is Osih Joshua Nambangi, a bureau member at the national assembly and the First Vice National Chairman of the party. The second is Ndenge Godden Zama, SDF party chairman for Limbe 1 electoral district.

Mr. Zama made his declaration during a press conference on Saturday, August 5, 2023, in the seaside resort town of Limbe in the South West region. He declared his candidacy for the post of national chairman, thereby scuttling Osih’s chances of being the lone candidate.

With two candidates already known, many are expected to declare in the days ahead.

At the time of this report, rumours were rife that Fusi Namukong, a former SDF Member of Parliament for Bafut/Tubah Constituency, would also be running for the top job.

Initially planned for July 28 and 29, 2023, the party’s elective convention failed to hold due to the demise of the former leader.

The Social Democratic Front (SDF) political party has animated the opposition political scene in Cameroon since 1990.

By design or accident, the party knew no other leader than the late Ni John Fru Ndi, who led the party from its creation until his demise.

Mr. Fru Ndi died on June 12, 2023, and was officially buried in his native Baba II village in Santa, Mezam division of the North West region, on July 29, 2023.

Before his death, he indicated his willingness to step down as party chairman, opening the door to potential candidates to fill the vacuum.

While the race was yet to gain steam, the chairman joined his ancestors, prompting the party to put on hold the elective convention that was to produce the next party leader.

Now that the late Mr. Fru Ndi has been buried, all eyes are on who will become the second party leader in its 33 years of existence.

While the late Fru Ndi was still alive, Jean Michel Nintcheu, who was SDF chairman for the Littoral region, and Osih Joshua Nambangi, the First Vice National Chairman of the party, were earmarked to be top contenders for the party’s national office

However, Nintcheu was kicked out of the party along with close to thirty others for anti-party activities.

With Nintcheu shown the door, many political commentators concluded that the road was cleared for Osih to have a smooth sail to the top job of the one-time main opposition party in Cameroon.

As unexpected as politics is known to be, things are turning around, with more candidates beginning to show interest.

Though candidates are tightening their belts for the contest, a new date is yet to be announced by the leadership of the party