(Ecofin Agency) - As Benin’s current president, Patrice Talon, nears the end of his second and final term, potential successors are beginning to emerge. Ahead of the mid-2026 elections, some figures are already making their intentions known.

Pan-African activist Kemi Seba has announced his intention to run for president in Benin’s 2026 election. With less than two years until the vote, he is among the first to officially declare his candidacy.

BÉNIN 2026 ?? : KEMI SEBA S’EXPRIME pic.twitter.com/OvwSjP1IMY

— Kemi Seba Officiel (@KemiSeba1) January 5, 2025

In a video posted on social media, Kemi Seba explained how he plans to qualify for the election. He hopes to gain the support of the opposition party "Les Démocrates," led by former President Boni Yayi. He stated that this is “the only opposition party with enough endorsements to enter the elections.” Indeed, Benin’s electoral code requires candidates to secure at least 20% of signatures from mayors and members of parliament across the country.

“The second option will have the sole purpose of building a true coalition, much broader than the one that currently exists, aimed at demanding a reform of the electoral code so that everyone can run for the presidential election in Benin,” he added.