COTONOU, Benin—Prominent Pan-African activist and leader Stellio Gilles Robert Capo-Chichi, widely known as Kémi Séba, has announced his candidacy for Benin’s upcoming presidential election slated for April 2026.
In a ten-minute video shared on January 5, Séba launched a fierce critique of President Patrice Talon’s administration, accusing it of fostering a business climate that marginalizes local operators while favoring foreign enterprises.
Legal and Political Obstacles
Benin’s electoral law requires presidential candidates to secure sponsorship from at least 28 elected officials, such as mayors or parliamentarians, effectively barring independent candidates. 
To overcome these challenges, Séba proposed three potential strategies:
- Opposition Party Support: Séba seeks the endorsement of the opposition party Les Démocrates, led by former President Boni Yayi, which possesses the necessary sponsorship to nominate a candidate.
- Electoral Code Reform: If support from Les Démocrates does not materialize, he plans to advocate for reforms to what he terms a “corrupt” electoral framework designed to suppress genuine opposition.
- Operation Jericho: As a last resort, Séba unveiled “Operation Jericho,” a three-pronged strategy emphasizing mass mobilization, public protests, and decisive actions by influential stakeholders to restore power to the people.
Benin’s 2026 elections will encompass municipal, legislative, and presidential races. Presidential candidates must submit their applications by October 2025, six months ahead of the polls.
President Patrice Talon, serving his second and final term, has reiterated his commitment not to amend the constitution to extend his tenure.
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