In a dramatic development within Benin’s political landscape, Lambert Sodji, a Member of Parliament (MP) from the opposition party Les Démocrates, has officially requested the withdrawal of his sponsorship for the presidential duo nominated by his party.
The request was made through a bailiff to Boni Yayi, the president of Les Démocpolitirates, and has sent shockwaves through the party, raising serious concerns about its ability to field candidates for the upcoming 2026 presidential election.
According to the local daily Le Matinal, the sponsorship form signed by Sodji to support the party’s presidential candidates was allegedly submitted to the Autonomous National Electoral Commission (Céna) but was forcefully withdrawn shortly thereafter.
Sodji’s official request for the return of his sponsorship form now threatens to unravel the fragile unity within the opposition.
The timing of Sodji’s action is critical. Les Démocrates, with 28 elected members in the National Assembly, currently holds the exact number of sponsors required by the Electoral Code to present a presidential ticket for the April 2026 elections.
If the withdrawal request is granted, the party would lose its eligibility to run, as it would fall short of the legal requirement for candidate sponsorship.
This latest move further exacerbates the internal pressures within Les Démocrates, which has been struggling with unity ahead of the looming electoral deadline.
The party has been under significant strain as it works to finalize its candidacy files before the cut-off date.
Lambert Sodji’s public stance against his own party’s leadership adds another layer of uncertainty to an already volatile political situation in Benin.
The fallout from this request, if approved, could lead to deeper divisions within the opposition, jeopardizing its ability to present a united front in the upcoming presidential race.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes are now on the leadership of Les Démocrates and how they will respond to the challenge posed by one of their own MPs.
With the future of the party’s candidacy in jeopardy, the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the opposition can maintain its position as a viable contender in the 2026 elections.
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