Benin's Wadagni wins presidency in landslide with over 94% of vote

STORY: :: Ekpe, Benin / April 4, 2026

:: Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni is declared the winner of Benin's presidential election with 94% of the vote

:: Cotonou, Benin / April 14, 2026

"Romuald Wadagni, 4,252,347 votes, or 94.05%."

:: Wadagni is the chosen successor of outgoing President Patrice Talon and is backed by the ruling coalition

Sacca Lafia, head of the country's independent electoral commission, said on national television that the tally was based on more than 90% of ballots counted, giving Wadagni an insurmountable lead. Voter turnout stood at 58.78%, Lafia said.

Opposition candidate Paul Hounkpe of the Cowry Forces for an Emerging Benin party acknowledged defeat in a statement on Monday, before provisional results were announced, according to a post by state television.

Wadagni is expected to face pressure to strengthen security in Benin's north, which has come under increasing threat from jihadist groups operating in the central Sahel region.

He has also pledged to expand access to clean water, broaden social protection programs, and guarantee emergency healthcare regardless of ability to pay.