Nourou-Dine Saka Saley, lawyer and founding member of the Democrats party (LD), has formally declared his intention to seek his party’s nomination for the 2026 presidential election, becoming the first party member to publicly position himself for the race.
Speaking during an appearance on Eden TV on Sunday, June 22, Saka Saley clarified his stance as a “candidate for candidacy” — a phrase he used to acknowledge that his presidential ambition remains subject to approval by the party’s leadership.
“I am a candidate for candidacy within my party.
If the texts were not so restrictive, I would have already announced my candidacy for the presidential election,” he said.
A key figure within the party founded by former President Boni Yayi, Saka Saley revealed that he had previously been encouraged to run in 2021.
However, he stepped aside in favor of another ticket consisting of Reckya Madougou and Éric Houndété, whose bid was ultimately unsuccessful.
The political analyst and party strategist pointed to several legal hurdles, notably the restrictive stipulations of the Political Parties Charter and the Electoral Code, which require sponsorship from parties with parliamentary or municipal representation.
“This is only an intention. It is up to the party to evaluate the profiles and select the one that generates the broadest consensus,” he emphasized, while making the case for internal candidates: “If outside personalities can ask to be invested, why can’t a founding member?”
Saka Saley’s announcement comes as the race for the 2026 presidency slowly gathers momentum. While opposition figures begin to step forward, no executive from the ruling coalition has officially announced a candidacy.
Government Spokesman Wilfried Léandre Houngbédji recently stated that the ruling alliance will reveal its nominee on October 12, 2025, adding, “On that day, you will know,” and assuring that calm and unity prevail within the majority.
As political discourse heats up, Saka Saley’s early declaration positions him as a central figure in the Democrats party’s evolving internal debate and a potential contender in Benin’s upcoming electoral contest.
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