Benin Opposition Candidate Concedes Defeat in Presidential Election to Romuald Wadagni

candidate Paul Hounkpe conceded defeat to Romuald Wadagni in Benin's presidential election on Monday, April 13, 2026.

The election took place on Sunday, April 12, 2026. Hounkpe secured parliamentary endorsements from majority lawmakers to stand in the presidential election. Paul Hounkpe offered republican congratulations to Romuald Wadagni.

He stated he noted a clear lead for Romuald Wadagni and was acting with responsibility. The Democrats party did not field a candidate in the presidential election. Renaud Agbodjo, leader of The Democrats party, failed to secure sufficient endorsements for the presidential election.

Background Romuald Wadagni served as finance minister of Benin for a decade.

He was endorsed by outgoing leader Patrice Talon for the presidential election. Patrice Talon completed two five-year terms as president of Benin. Benin's electorate consists of eight million people.

Voter turnout in some polling stations in Porto-Novo, Benin's capital, was between 20 and 40 percent.

presidential election were expected not before Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

Shops and businesses in Cotonou, Benin's economic capital, reopened by midday on Monday, April 13, 2026, after closing for polling day. The ECOWAS election observation mission praised a peaceful atmosphere and the smooth running of the election in Benin.

“I noted a clear lead for Romuald Wadagni and was acting with responsibility.”

“[We offer] republican congratulations to Romuald Wadagni.”