Benin – 2026 presidential election: Agbodjo’s choice wasn’t imposed, say resigning LD deputies.
The designation of lawyer Renaud Agbodjo as Les Démocrates’ candidate for the 2026 presidential elections would, for some, be the last straw that pushed things over the edge, thus bringing the party’s internal unease into the public eye.
Me Renaud Agbodjo
But between accusations of imposition, favoritism and internal manipulation, people are gradually speaking out. The recent remarks of some MPs who have resigned challenge the narrative circulated so far, providing evidence that Renaud Agbodjo was not imposed.
According to Patrick Djivo, a former MP and member of the committee that selected the candidate duo, the choice of Renaud Agbodjo was made on the basis of clear criteria validated by the party.
« You have to acknowledge that at the committee level, we set up barometers to rate the candidates. And in the scoring, you have to admit that the favorite was Agbodjo », he said.
Similar words came from MP Constant Nahum, who has also resigned. Asked about the issue, he dismissed any notion that the candidate had been imposed: « No, I wouldn’t say that’s true », he insisted during a televised debate.
These statements contradict the thesis defended by some party members, according to which Renaud Agbodjo’s candidacy was imposed by the leadership, or even favored for reasons of familial or regional proximity to former president Boni Yayi.
For several weeks, the main opposition party has been going through a turbulent period marked by a string of resignations, accusations of endorsements being confiscated, and deep internal divisions.