The Social Democratic Front (SDF) has taken another step in its ongoing "Operation Take Back Bamenda" campaign with the return of its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting to Bamenda, the party's historic stronghold and birthplace.
Held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the residence of the late founding chairman, Ni John Fru Ndi, the meeting brought together NEC members, mayors, parliamentarians and party officials from across the country under the chairmanship of National Chairman Joshua Osih.
The session marked the return of the party's highest decision-making body to Bamenda after years of relocation due to the security challenges that accompanied the Anglophone conflict.
While attendance fell short of expectations, party officials stressed that representatives travelled from different parts of Cameroon to participate. Delegations presented reports from several regions of the country, including a notable representation from the northern parts of Cameroon, underscoring the party's continued national reach despite its recent organisational challenges.
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Addressing members, Joshua Osih openly expressed disappointment over the number of empty seats in the meeting hall.
"And let me be very clear, we haven't come here on tourism," he said.
The SDF chairman noted that several NEC members were absent despite repeated calls for the party leadership to return to Bamenda. According to him, some members continue to avoid coming to the city, while others remain uncomfortable returning to the residence of the late Ni John Fru Ndi because of disagreements that followed his death.
Osih nevertheless extended a message of reconciliation.
"We are willing to forgive. We want everyone back because the party is bigger than individual differences," he said.
At the same time, he cautioned that continued absence from party activities would have political consequences.
"Those who stay away should not expect to become mayors or parliamentarians under the SDF banner," he warned.
The chairman used the occasion to reaffirm the party's determination to restore its visibility and influence in Bamenda, declaring that the SDF was reclaiming its traditional political space.
"Those who are afraid to come to Bamenda are also afraid of the CPDM and afraid of elections. The SDF is back in Bamenda and we are here to stay," Osih stated.
The NEC meeting comes just weeks after a rare public mobilisation by SDF militants during the May 20 National Day celebrations in Bamenda, an event Regional Chairperson Fongu Cletus Tanwe described as part of the broader "Operation Take Back Bamenda" initiative.
The return of NEC is clearly another important signal in that campaign. The residence of Ni John Fru Ndi remains one of the most important landmarks in the history of the SDF and the opposition movement in Cameroon.
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The gathering also coincides with activities commemorating the legacy of the late founding chairman. NEC members are expected to participate in anniversary and thanksgiving events honouring Ni John Fru Ndi to take place on Sunday 14 June, whose influence continues to shape the identity of the party three years after his passing.
Throughout the meeting, Joshua Osih urged party leaders to focus on unity, discipline and grassroots organisation ahead of anticipated elections. He instructed officials to intensify voter and membership registration efforts while ensuring members who have relocated update their registrations accordingly.
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For a party seeking to rebuild momentum in its historical heartland, the significance of the NEC meeting may lie less in the number of attendees and more in the fact that it happened in Bamenda at all.
After years in which insecurity forced key party activities away from the city, the SDF leadership appears determined to send a message that Bamenda is once again central to its political future.
Whether that message translates into stronger structures and electoral success remains to be seen, but Saturday's gathering marked another visible step in the party's effort to return home.
By Hilltopvoices Team with reports
Pictures by Abakwa FM Radio and City FM Radio
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