The Social Democratic Front (SDF), once the unrivalled bastion of opposition politics in Cameroon, is facing another storm as claims of a massive defection in Bamenda dominate political chatter.
Hon Joshua Osih arriving Bamenda to submit candidacy file
On Friday 15 August, reports emerged from the North West capital that more than 300 militants, alongside influential figures linked to the G27++ faction, had abandoned the SDF to join the National Union for Democracy and Progress (NUDP). The development, if confirmed, would mark one of the most significant realignments in Cameroonian politics ahead of the 12 October presidential election.
According to organisers of the press briefing in Bamenda, the departures represent a “painful but necessary break” from a party they accuse of losing its way since the death of its founder, Ni John Fru Ndi.
Bamenda defection meeting
The story is further complicated by the role of the so-called G27 group. Historically, the G27 broke away from the SDF years ago under the leadership of Hon. Jean-Michel Nintcheu, who went on to establish the FCC party. At the time, members of the faction criticised the SDF’s leadership but rallied behind Nintcheu’s FCC project.
Observers are now questioning why a group presenting itself as “G27++” would publicly declare for the NUDP rather than stand by the FCC, which was built on the same spirit of rebellion.
The SDF has moved quickly to dismiss the defection reports. In a statement dated 16 August, the party’s National Secretariat for Communication described the news as “fabricated propaganda” designed to weaken its image during a critical electoral season.
“The reality is as follows: some weeks ago, a former Secretary General of the SDF—expelled in 2023 for serious misconduct—chose to join the NUDP alongside a few acquaintances in Bafoussam. Since then, a narrative has been deliberately constructed to create the illusion that the SDF is losing members. This is untrue,” the statement read.
The party accused its rivals of “scavenging on isolated cases of disgraced former members” instead of offering Cameroonians a clear political programme. It also reaffirmed that its focus remains squarely on the October presidential election, with Joshua Osih as its candidate.
Despite the rebuttal, the perception of instability within the SDF is unlikely to fade easily. The party has struggled to maintain cohesion since the passing of Fru Ndi in 2023. Internal disagreements, wavering discipline, and competition from newer opposition formations have eroded its once ironclad base.
The timing of the controversy is particularly sensitive for Joshua Osih, who is struggling to consolidate his support base even as the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) prepares to defend Paul Biya’s decades-long incumbency.
For now, the party insists it is “strong, forward-looking, and ready to lead change”. But for many in Bamenda, the defections real or exaggerated have exposed once again the fragility of the opposition’s unity.
Fact Check: SDF Defections in Bamenda
| Claim | Source / Evidence | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 300+ SDF militants in Bamenda left to join NUDP | Press briefing, 15 Aug 2025 | Disputed – SDF denies, calls it “fabricated propaganda” |
| G27++ faction officially moving to NUDP | Banner displayed at Bamenda event | Unverified – Historical G27 members mostly affiliated with FCC; current group’s alignment is unclear |
| Defections indicate weakening of SDF ahead of presidential election | Social media reports | Partially true – SDF acknowledges isolated resignations but rejects mass departure claims |
| Joshua Osih’s presidential bid at risk due to defections | Political analysts, Bamenda | Opinion / Analysis – Impact uncertain; party insists on unity and focus |
| Former SDF Secretary General joined NUDP | SDF official statement | Confirmed – Expelled in 2023 for misconduct; small group of associates also joined NUDP |
Takeaway: While there are isolated departures from the SDF, the party strongly denies any mass exodus in Bamenda. Reports of 300+ members leaving appear to be exaggerated or strategically amplified for political effect.
By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices Newsroom
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