Benin’s ruling coalition, made up of the Progressive Union for Renewal (UP-R) and the Republican Bloc (BR), has endorsed Romuald Wadagni, the current Minister of State for Economy and Finance, as its candidate for the 2026 presidential race.
In a statement, the UP-R announced that its top political leadership had thrown its support behind Wadagni. On the same day, the BR’s National Executive Bureau also confirmed its choice of Wadagni to represent the party in the upcoming vote.
Wadagni has been part of President Patrice Talon’s government since 2016.
The presidential election is scheduled for April 12, 2026.
President Talon, in office since 2016, has repeatedly said he will not seek a third term, in line with the country’s Constitution.
