The Commercial Avenue Grandstand shook with energy on Saturday as Hon. Joshua Osih Nambangi, National Chairman of the Social Democratic Front (SDF) and 2025 Presidential Candidate, officially launched his campaign from the city where the SDF’s struggle for democracy was born.
Osih told the charged crowd that Cameroon was standing at the edge of a historic decision, urging voters to seize this “once-in-a-generation chance” to rebuild the nation.
“Our DNA comes from Bamenda,” he declared, adding, “This country owes a debt to the Northwest, because the liberties we enjoy today were born here. But for 65 years, the ruling party has failed this country, and Mr. Biya has had 43 years to solve our problems. The violence in the Northwest and Southwest has dragged on for eight years. It would never have begun under an SDF government and if you give me your mandate, we will stop it within 100 days.”
Osih’s address was both fiery and detailed, offering Cameroonians a clear roadmap for change. He pledged immediate reforms beginning from his first day in office, promising free public education until the end of secondary school, mandatory asset declarations for public officials, and a reduction of government size to cut waste and corruption.
He vowed to eliminate no-bid contracts, provide free national identity cards, and extend the legal timeframe for birth certificate issuance to five years.
But his message was not just about reforms, it was about trust. “On day one, every political prisoner without blood on their hands will walk free,” he promised. “We will silence the guns, secure our roads, bring back displaced people, and reopen schools. We will build trust where fear has reigned.”
Beyond the Anglophone regions, Osih laid out an ambitious national vision: rehabilitating key infrastructure like National Road No. 1 in the Far North, recruiting teachers for rural areas, building solar-powered boreholes, and promoting large-scale agricultural and economic projects to restore dignity to the people.
He pledged to convene a national Truth, Peace, and Reconciliation Commission, organize a constitutional conference to refound the State, and lead Cameroonians toward a referendum that would finally settle the question of the country’s form of state.
Osih argued that one mandate was enough to transform the nation if the right leadership and political will were in place. He promised to create one million decent jobs, raise the minimum wage, guarantee universal health care, deliver electricity and water to every corner of the country, and attack corruption with unprecedented resolve.
“Cameroon does not just need a new president; it needs a new system,” Osih thundered. “All the other candidates simply want to replace the king on the throne. I am coming to give power back to the people. The pink ballot is the strongest bullet Cameroon has ever had and this election is our chance to rescue this country once and for all.”
SDF veteran Benjamin Fru Ndi, a member of the SDF National Advisory Council reinforced the message, reminding the crowd that the crisis began with peaceful protests and was hijacked by fear and violence. “Abstention only helps the regime,” he said. “On October 12, the Northwest and Southwest must lead the charge again by voting massively for change.”
Barrister Ndangoh Calvin Tah, was even more direct, accusing the ruling CPDM of collusion with armed groups to disrupt SDF rallies while leaving government events untouched.
“Cameroonians must open their eyes,” he warned. “These lockdowns are meant to keep you away from the polls. If you want change, you must fight fear with courage.”
As the rally came to a close, Osih’s words hung in the air like a challenge: This is the moment. This is the fight. And this time, we will win.
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