Political and civil society activist Ndifor Richard has publicly condemned what he describes as a “deliberate and dishonest smear campaign” against Social Democratic Front (SDF) presidential candidate Hon. Osih Joshua Nambangi.
In a strongly worded statement released on Sunday, Richard criticized efforts by certain political actors and commentators to misrepresent a bipartisan letter signed by Hon. Osih Joshua several years ago, which called on the U.S. Congress to support the repatriation of individuals accused of involvement in killings and kidnappings in Cameroon’s Anglophone regions.
“The letter was never about targeting Anglophones or silencing voices in support of the Anglophone cause,” Richard stated. “It was about holding accountable those who committed horrific crimes, those who turned classrooms into killing fields and profited from human suffering.”
Hon. Osih Joshua, SDF Presidential Flagbearer.Ndifor Richard stressed that the letter, co-signed by lawmakers from both the opposition SDF and the ruling CPDM party, was a rare show of unity on a national security issue, not a political betrayal. He called out critics who have claimed Osih's actions amount to collusion with the ruling party.
“CPDM MPs are fellow Cameroonians, not enemies,” Richard said. “When lives are at stake, cross-party collaboration is a sign of maturity, not weakness.”
According to Richard, the smear campaign has gone so far as to falsely accuse Osih of calling for the blanket repatriation of Anglophones in the U.S. who support the separatist cause. He described the allegation as not only untrue but “an act of political sabotage.”
“This narrative is not just misleading, it is dangerous,” Richard warned. “No other candidate in this race has faced this level of distortion and vilification. And ironically, many of the attacks come from within the Anglophone community itself.”
Ndifor Richard invoked the memory of victims in Kumba and Ekondo Titi towns where school children were killed in separate violent attacks as the human reality behind the letter’s intent. “Those who weaponize the letter against Osih are also distorting the tragedy of the very victims it sought justice for,” he said.
The political activist challenged Osih’s critics to release the full contents of the letter. “Let the public read it and decide for themselves,” Richard urged. “Cameroon deserves political debate rooted in truth, not cynical propaganda.”
The activist’s comments come amid increasing polarization ahead of the 2025 vote, where Osih is expected to be the leading opposition figure. Richard called for political discourse focused on leadership and vision rather than personal attacks.
“Politics should never be about tearing down those who take a principled stand,” he concluded. “As we approach this critical election, we must reject lies and manipulation. Hon. Osih stood for justice then, and he continues to do so now.”
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