The presidential majority has designated Romuald Wadagni, 49, Minister of State in charge of Finance and Cooperation, as its sole candidate for the April 12, 2026 election.
This designation — backed by President Patrice Talon — confirms that he will not seek re-election. Romuald Wadagni, who has stood beside Talon since 2016, has emerged as one of his most loyal collaborators, often described as the head of state’s “man of confidence.”
A graduate of Harvard and the University of Grenoble, he has led the country’s major economic reforms over the past decade — earning him the respect of international financial institutions.
Backed by Abdoulaye Bio Tchané, Minister of State and President of the Republican Bloc, as well as Joseph Djogbénou, President of the Progressive Union for Renewal and former President of the Constitutional Court, he must now transform his profile as a loyal technocrat into a genuine popular rallying force.
Current Vice President of the Republic, Mariam Chabi Talata, has once again been selected as his running mate.
Candidate registrations will take place from October 10 to 14, 2025, according to Céna (National Autonomous Electoral Commission).