The political landscape in Benin is entering a decisive phase as the 2026 presidential election approaches, with Romuald Wadagni, Minister of State for the Economy and Finance, emerging as the uncontested candidate of the ruling coalition.
On Sunday, 31 August 2025, the Republican Bloc (BR) convened an extraordinary session led by Abdoulaye Bio Tchané, where the party unanimously endorsed Wadagni’s candidacy.
The decision underscores what the party described as his “expertise, integrity and rigor” in steering the country’s economy and shaping political reforms since 2016.
This endorsement follows an earlier declaration by Joseph Djogbénou, president of the Progressive Union for Renewal (UP-R), who announced on social media: “Romuald Wadagni is the candidate of the Progressive Union for Renewal. Romuald Wadagni is the candidate of the parliamentary and presidential majority. (…) He is my candidate.”
His statement effectively unified the movement behind a single figure, setting the stage for a campaign free from internal divisions.
The UP-R’s High Political Directorate also confirmed its support the same day, issuing a statement that framed Wadagni as a key architect of Benin’s recent economic transformation and a natural successor to carry forward reforms initiated under President Patrice Talon.
Local leaders, including Mayor Luc Atrokpo, joined the chorus of support.
“I call for a broad rally around his candidacy.
He is a servant of the Nation, recognized for his competence, his experience and his energy put at the service of the development of our country,” Atrokpo said.
Claudine Afiavi Prudencio, president of the National Renaissance (RN) party, hailed the move as “the continuity of a vision, fidelity to one’s word, and a sign of hope for young people,” while praising President Talon for respecting the Constitution and preparing an orderly transition.
Such swift consensus has not been seen since 1991, analysts note, and it places the presidential majority in a commanding position ahead of the vote. With the opposition still struggling to organize, Wadagni’s nomination signals a head start that could heavily influence the 2026 electoral outcome.
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