The nomination of Romuald Wadagni as the presidential candidate for the 2026 election continues to spark debate across Benin.
Speaking on Canal 3 Benin, Noël Chadaré, former secretary general of Cosi-Bénin and a member of the Progressive Union for Renewal, expressed his support for the Minister of State for Economy and Finance, highlighting his qualifications and potential impact.
“He’s someone I’ve worked with and continue to interact with. He combines rigor and listening skills, two essential qualities for governing. Without rigor, there is no success,” Chadaré said, emphasizing that Wadagni has the capacity to “act on certain economic levers to ease the cost of living.”
Chadaré also addressed the joint candidacy with Mariam Chabi Talata, stressing the strategic balance the ticket represents.
“She is a woman, a certified teacher, with a solid intellectual base. Her profile is a plus, and her presence from the North in the face of a president from the South illustrates a search for balance,” he noted, drawing parallels to the Nigerian approach to regional and gender representation in leadership.
According to Chadaré, this tandem is designed to reconcile competence, regional inclusivity, and gender balance. He described the combination as a signal of political openness and adaptability to Benin’s social realities, reflecting a broader effort to engage the electorate across different segments of society.
The former union official expressed confidence that Wadagni, with his experience in economic management, is well-positioned to respond to public expectations and address key challenges, particularly in the financial and economic sectors.
Chadaré’s endorsement underscores the growing perception that the Wadagni-Chabi Talata ticket offers both expertise and representation, potentially appealing to a broad spectrum of voters ahead of next year’s elections. The choice signals a deliberate effort to balance technical competence with social and regional considerations, aiming to present a credible and inclusive alternative in Benin’s evolving political landscape.
With the campaign period approaching, analysts suggest that the Wadagni-Talata ticket could redefine the dynamics of the 2026 presidential race, offering voters a candidate team focused on governance, equity, and economic reform.
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