Benin’s newly designated presidential candidate, Romuald Wadagni, is rapidly consolidating political and civil support, positioning himself as the strategic choice of the ruling coalition ahead of the October 12, 2025 election.
On Monday, September 1, 2025, Deputy Maixent Djeigo of the Union Progressiste le Renouveau praised the Minister of Economy and Finance, describing him as “the candidate of continuity and stability.”
Speaking to the media, Djeigo asserted, “These are the political parties that have identified the best among us to position him as candidate… I give you the challenge, by election night, our candidate will win in the first round in the same proportion,” highlighting the robust parliamentary backing for Wadagni.
Support has also flowed from the Bloc Républicain. After meeting with Wadagni, Samou Séibou Adambi emphasized that his candidacy “preserves the achievements” of the Talon administration and ensures continuity of ongoing reforms. “We know the technocrat for his rigor and boldness,” Adambi added, expressing a desire for Wadagni to continue the work of the outgoing president.
Endorsements have extended beyond immediate political allies. Former Supreme Court President Ousmane Batoko called the nomination “a boon,” while ex-President Nicéphore Soglo, writing from Paris, expressed both “encouragement” and “joy,” seeing the choice as a recognition of youth and dynamism in Beninese politics.
Perhaps most notably, support has emerged from the opposition. Deputy Basile Comlan Ahossi, second vice-president of the National Assembly and a member of Les Démocrates, sent Wadagni a letter of congratulations. He wrote: “You are not just the candidate of the parties that endorsed you. You are my candidate too.” This unprecedented gesture reflects Wadagni’s atypical positioning, previously demonstrated when he supported the 2024 finance law, aligning with government priorities despite party divisions.
As endorsements continue to accumulate, Wadagni is consolidating his image as a unifying candidate committed to continuity. Between majority deputies’ backing, support from former senior officials, and unexpected cross-party endorsements, the campaign is gathering momentum, signaling broad-based appeal ahead of Benin’s 2025 presidential vote.
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