Diaspora group backs Wadagni

No fewer than two million Benin nationals residing in Nigeria are set to participate in the April 12, 2026 presidential election.

The Chargé d’Affaires of the Republic of Benin in Nigeria, Bernice Gnansounou Bankole, who disclosed this during a sensitisation programme for Benin nationals in Abuja said Nigeria is among 10 countries where the diaspora will vote, with polling centres in Abuja, Lagos, and Ibadan.

She said: “Everything is going fine and we are ready for the election. In Nigeria, we will be having elections in our embassy in Abuja here, also in our consul general in Lagos, also in our honorary consul at Ibadan, in Oyo state. So that’s why we gather you here to witness this memorable occasion.

“We have a huge spread of our compatriots in Nigeria and so the media chat is to sensitise them to come out massively to vote on April 12 2026.

‘We are ready and we will continue to sensitise all Beninios for the election.”

The ruling coalition has fielded the current Minister of Finance and Economy, Romuald Wadagni, as its presidential candidate, with incumbent Vice President Mariam Chabi Talata as running mate.

Speaking during the occasion, Former President of Benin People in Nigeria, Hormone Younkpati, urged compatriots to support the Wadagni-Talata ticket, describing the duo as best positioned to continue the country’s transformation under President Patrice Talon.

He said that for Benin nationals in Nigeria, it is an opportunity to showcase the remarkable progress the country has made over the past decade.

He described the presidential candidates, Romuald Wadagni and Mariam Chabi Talata, as the frontrunners representing continuity and effective governance.

He praised Wadagni as a young, capable leader whose experience as Minister of Finance is widely recognised, adding that those who have visited Benin in recent years can attest to his impact.

“In Abuja and across Nigeria, we want to show our support for this candidate and ensure a strong turnout on April 12. This is the main reason for our mobilisation efforts,” he said.

Younkpati highlighted that the current administration has simplified access to administrative services for diaspora citizens, allowing many documents to be obtained online without travelling home.

“This is a major development for us in the diaspora. Previously, we had to return to Benin to complete such processes,” he said.

He added that the country’s progress cannot be derailed by attempts to seize power by force, stressing the need to back leaders who promote steady development.

He also noted that Benin’s economy was ranked seventh among West African nations in 2020, reflecting how far the country has come.