"No woman hides her nakedness on the day of childbirth," says an old Beninese proverb. With the presidential election approaching next April, the true opposition begins by recognizing its own.

Indeed, for the past few weeks , there has been a series of defections within the ranks of the Democrats party. Those leaving are not simply rank-and-file members; they are leading figures in the opposition party.

Examples include Chabi Yayi, son of former president Boni Yayi and former secretary for external relations of the political party, and Guy Mitokpè, former national secretary for communication of the same party. These former officials have already declared their support for the presidential majority candidate , Romuald Wadagni.

Conditional support

Yesterday, Thursday, the Beninese press reported that the former interim president of the Democrats, Éric Houndété, had also joined the national finance minister. He signed a republican pact of support for Romuald Wadagni that day at the Majestic Hall in Cotonou , in the presence of political leaders, religious figures, and members of civil society.

In his address, the former leader of the Democrats clarified that his choice does not commit the party to which he belongs. It is a personal decision, which does not reflect unconditional support.

“I wish for Benin to become a pluralistic Benin again, where the sons and daughters of the country have the right to criticize public action… The truce must not mean the refusal of criticism. If that is the case , I will remain in my opposition robes,” he warned.

Suspended from the party

After learning of his support for Wadagni's candidacy, his party was quick to take action.

Indeed, according to information reported by "Le Matinal," Mr. Houndété and 21 other members of the political party have been suspended. They are accused of having publicly expressed their support for the ministerial candidate and his running mate, Talata, even though the party had given no instructions to that effect.

It should be recalled that Mr. Houndété was ejected from his position as interim president of the Democrats during the last National Council of the party.

Clearly, the activists suspected that he was going to side with the national treasurer.

It's hard to disagree with him , given that the opposition party will be observing a rather severe political diet for the next seven years. They have neither members of Parliament nor councilors in the municipalities, let alone a candidate for the next presidential election.