In Benin, a presidential election is expected to be a foregone conclusion next April. Barring unforeseen circumstances, Romuald Wadagni, the candidate of the ruling party, is expected to win the election against his main challenger, Paul Hounkpè, whom many observers of Beninese politics describe as a lightweight.

The questionable political weight of Paul Hounkpè

Indeed, the candidate of the Forces Cauris for an Emerging Benin (FCBE) has never truly managed to win an election with his party. The scores that the political party obtains are among the lowest.

Despite its alliance with the presidential coalition during the last legislative elections, the party failed to secure more than 10% of the national vote. This would have at least allowed it to win some seats in Parliament. In short, the political influence of the FCBE leader is questionable, leading many analysts to believe that the presidency is already destined for his main challenger, Romuald Wadagni.

Furthermore, the almost patrilineal links of the latter with the current president Patrice Talon are worrying.

It should be noted that Mr. Wadagni is the current Minister of Finance for the tenant of the Marina Palace. A position he has held since 2016.

Furthermore, the man was nominated as the presidential coalition's candidate by the two parties supporting President Talon's actions: the Republican Bloc and the Progressive Union. This nomination was clearly approved by Patrice Talon.

Many even say without hesitation that Wadagni is his successor.

"He does not intend to exercise any form of guardianship."

Given the influence of the current head of state, some observers of Beninese political life are wondering if Wadagni will not be the Medvedev of Putin Patrice Talon.

In other words, whether Wadagni will be the puppet of the former cotton magnate if he is elected to lead the country.

In a recent interview with Jeune Afrique, the Finance Minister clearly stated that his mentor had no intention whatsoever of remaining in the shadows to lead or even less dictate to him how to conduct himself.

“President Talon is a man of his word. If I am elected, he will step aside. He does not intend to exercise any control,” Romuald Wadagni assured.

The minister-candidate does, however, acknowledge that the current head of state will remain attentive to the country's major policy directions. It is worth recalling that the revised Constitution of December 2025 created a Senate where former presidents of the Republic and former presidents of the Constitutional Court, among others, will sit.