The nomination of Romuald Wadagni as the presidential majority candidate for Benin’s 2026 election has received a major boost with the public endorsement of Joseph Djogbénou, president of the Union Progressiste le Renouveau (UPR).
Speaking on Sunday, August 31, Djogbénou used his Facebook page to voice unequivocal support for the Minister of State for the Economy and Finance, urging party members and activists to rally behind him.
“Romuald Wadagni is the candidate of the Progressive Union for Renewal. Romuald Wadagni is the candidate of the parliamentary and presidential majority.
He is the candidate of each of us. He is my candidate,” Djogbénou wrote, leaving no doubt about his personal and political backing. His statement positioned Wadagni’s candidacy as part of a collective, national effort rather than a mere individual endorsement.
The former President of Benin’s Constitutional Court also emphasized continuity and long-term national transformation.
“With him and with the President of the Republic, we will accelerate the economic, structural, infrastructural, cultural, touristic, and agricultural transformation of our country.
We will preserve the achievements and make the development of our country irreversible,” Djogbénou declared.
Beyond party politics, Djogbénou framed the endorsement in a broader patriotic and continental context.
“In all things, it is Benin that counts. With Benin, Africa remains in hope,” he wrote, calling on supporters to mobilize for the campaign: “So, to the fight, my sisters and brothers. So, to victory, my comrades.”
The presidential majority formalized its choice overnight on August 30-31, confirming Wadagni, 48, as its standard-bearer.
As Minister of State, he is widely regarded as the architect of the Talon government’s economic reforms, earning a reputation as a disciplined technocrat.
His nomination represents continuity and stability at a critical juncture for the country, setting the stage for what is expected to be a pivotal electoral campaign.
Wadagni’s candidacy now stands as the symbol of both economic rigour and national ambition, with key figures like Djogbénou mobilizing support ahead of the 2026 vote.
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