Former National Assembly Speaker Adrien Houngbédji has publicly denied claims that he has pledged support to any candidate ahead of the 2026 presidential election, stressing that such speculation is unfounded.
From Toronto, Canada, where he is staying for family reasons, Houngbédji addressed rumours circulating in some media outlets, clarifying his position on political endorsements. In a statement released on September 19, he stressed that empathy for an individual is not equivalent to political commitment.
“Empathy for a person is one thing; political commitment to them is another,” he said, emphasizing that it is too early to speak of support when only one candidate has been officially nominated and no social program has yet been presented.
Houngbédji described the upcoming election, scheduled for April 12, 2026, as “a major competition that affects the destiny of a people,” underlining that any choice must be guided by the candidates’ programs and their ability to unify the Beninese population.
The former National Assembly president further clarified that his endorsement cannot be determined unilaterally. “I am the president of a political movement widely represented in Beninese society,” he stated, asserting that he has a responsibility to consult party activists and supporters before making any political commitment.
He concluded by warning that any information suggesting otherwise is “ineffective” and does not reflect his official stance.
Houngbédji’s remarks aim to quash growing speculation around his role in the early stages of the 2026 electoral campaign. Political analysts note that his decision to refrain from early endorsement highlights the careful deliberation among senior political figures in Benin, as the country prepares for a contest that will shape its political landscape.
By insisting on consultation and careful evaluation of candidates’ platforms, Houngbédji positions himself as a cautious and principled figure, signaling the importance of consensus and party cohesion in the lead-up to the national vote.
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