Panafricanist activist Kemi Seba announced on Sunday, January 5th, his intention to run in the 2026 presidential election in Benin.
The Beninese activist and leader officially declared his candidacy, describing it as the result of "months, if not years, of reflection."
Through this decision, Seba aims to respond to the "insistent demands" of his supporters, positioning himself as an alternative to what he refers to as the country’s "institutional captivity."
Kemi Seba outlined three potential strategies to formalize his candidacy and structure his political project: securing support from the political party Les Démocrates, advocating for electoral code reforms to ensure equitable access to the presidential race for all citizens, and initiating "Operation Jericho."
Described as a "triangulation of forces," Operation Jericho focuses on three pillars: revolutionizing the information landscape, mobilizing non-violent popular movements, and empowering key actors capable of driving institutional change.
"This approach aims to return power to the people," explains Kemi Seba.
His declared goal remains unequivocal: to lead Benin toward what he terms "liberation." Seba has pledged to support all political and social initiatives aligned with this ambition, while remaining steadfast in his commitment to justice and sovereignty.
