BY ATIA TILARIOUS AZOHNWI
Dr. Benjamin Fru, son of the National Chairman of the Social Democratic Front (SDF) party, Ni John Fru Ndi has said he shall work hard for Hon. Joshua Osih to become SDF presidential candidate when the party meets in its 9th Ordinary National Elective Convention.
This follows Osih’s declaration on January 28 in Douala that he will seek the SDF presidential ticket ahead of political consultations in the country.
Ben Fru’s decision to join Osih’s campaign team is not unconnected to their longstanding friendship and excellent rapport. This endorsement of Osih could be seen as some kind of support from SDF National Chairman and Founding Father but he was quick to dismiss this speculation insisting that the father and national chairman is neutral and shall be the natural campaign manager for whoever wins the SDF ticket.
Over the years, many persons who lay claims to founding the SDF have tried to put a barrier between Ben Fru and his father over his support and love for Osih. They claim that Ben Fru has been talking favourably about Osih to his father, reason why Osih has since remained in the good books of the SDF chieftain.
Upon getting news of his son’s decision, Ni John Fru Ndi smiled and said he (Fru Ndi) will be the campaign manager of any candidate who wins the party’s presidential ticket.
The Osih team will have to dislodge an opposition that could be mounted by Hon. Joseph Mbah Ndam. Even if Mbah Ndam’s decision to challenge Osih were to yield any fruits, Mbah Ndam would have to split possible votes with Hon. Fobi Nchinda who has also made known his intention to run for the imminent presidential elections on an SDF ticket and who has been campaigning across the country silently.
It is now clear that Ni John Fru Ndi will no longer be SDF presidential candidate. He will only succeed himself as National Chairman of the party at this February 9th Ordinary National Elective Convention.
The National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the SDF is expected to hold this weekend.
Apart from Benjamin Fru, The SUN has been reliably informed that apart from his array supporters from other regions, Osih is also being backed by some prominent mayors and current and former SDF MPs in the North West region.