Wadagni Wins Benin Presidency With 94% Vote in Landslide Victory

Romuald Wadagni has secured a decisive victory in Benin’s presidential election, winning more than 94 percent of the vote, according to provisional results announced by the electoral commission.

The head of the commission, Sacca Lafia, confirmed that the results were based on over 90 percent of ballots counted, giving Wadagni an unassailable lead. Voter turnout was recorded at 58.78 percent.

Opposition candidate Paul Hounkpe of the Cowry Forces for an Emerging Benin party conceded defeat ahead of the final tally, congratulating Wadagni and urging respect for democratic values.

Wadagni, widely regarded as the preferred successor to outgoing President Patrice Talon, entered the race as the frontrunner with strong backing from the ruling coalition. Talon is set to step down after completing the constitutional limit of two terms.

The election comes at a sensitive time for Benin, following a recent failed coup attempt that unsettled the government but was eventually contained by security forces.

Despite the scale of the victory, the poll was marked by limited opposition participation. The country’s main opposition party, the Democrats, neither fielded a candidate nor endorsed Hounkpe, weakening the competitiveness of the race.

During the campaign, Hounkpe criticised the government’s economic record, arguing that strong growth figures had not translated into improved living conditions for many citizens.

In contrast, Wadagni pledged to prioritise access to clean water, expand social protection programmes, and improve healthcare delivery.

However, his administration faces significant challenges, including persistent insecurity in northern regions linked to extremist groups and rising concerns over economic inequality, with a substantial portion of the population still living below the poverty line.

With a strong electoral mandate, Wadagni now assumes office amid high expectations to deliver on security, governance, and inclusive economic growth.