Benin 2026 Presidential Election: “You Are My Candidate Too,” Opposition MP Tells Romuald Wadagni
Two days after Romuald Wadagni was designated as the ruling coalition’s candidate, the Vice President of the National Assembly, Comlan Léon Ahossi, surprised many by sending him a letter of support. A member of the opposition party Les Démocrates, he praised the Finance Minister’s career and integrity, declaring: “You are my candidate too.”
Romuald Wadagni, ministre de l’économie et des finances du Bénin
Benin’s political landscape has taken a new twist as the 2026 presidential election approaches. On August 31, 2025, Romuald Wadagni, Minister of State for Economy and Finance, was officially chosen as the candidate of the ruling coalition by Union Progressiste Le Renouveau (UP-R) and Bloc Républicain (BR).
Less than 48 hours later, an unexpected voice rose in his favor: Comlan Léon Ahossi, opposition MP and Vice President of the National Assembly. In a letter dated September 2, 2025, the Les Démocrates lawmaker did not hide his enthusiasm.
“It is with joy that I learned of your candidacy (…) and I cannot help but express my enthusiasm and satisfaction,” he wrote.
In his message, he highlighted Wadagni’s personal and professional qualities: “Your seriousness, dedication to work, listening skills, as well as your achievements as Minister of Economy and Finance distinguish you and qualify you for the responsibility whose scope and demands you already know,” the now-viral letter reads.
Support that transcends political divides
Comlan Léon Ahossi went further, stressing that Wadagni’s candidacy sparks “hope and eagerness almost everywhere,” beyond the parties that endorsed him. “You will not only be the candidate of the political parties that backed you. You are my candidate too,” he asserted.
The Vice President of the National Assembly also extended his wishes for a peaceful and convivial electoral process, invoking “the Good Lord and the spirits of the ancestors” to guide the 2026 presidential election.