Benin's main opposition party, The Democrats, has officially selected lawyer Renaud Agbodjo as its presidential candidate for next year's election , where he will face off against Economy Minister Romuald Wadagni from the ruling coalition. The announcement was made on Tuesday following several days of deliberations and a final round of late-night talks.
President Patrice Talon, who has led the country since 2016, will not seek re-election as the constitution restricts presidents to two terms. The decision to back 43-year-old Agbodjo marks a significant step for the opposition, which hopes to regain power after years of political setbacks.
According to Christophe Monsia, head of the party's nomination committee, a total of 34 applications were reviewed before Agbodjo was unanimously chosen as the party's flagbearer for the 2026 presidential race. Jubilant supporters gathered at The Democrats' headquarters, where they celebrated the announcement with singing and dancing.