Election: Two million Benin nationals in Nigeria set to vote

…as diaspora backs Wadagni

By Favour Ulebor, Abuja

No fewer than two million nationals of the Republic of Benin residing in Nigeria are expected to participate in the country’s April 12, 2026 presidential election.

The Chargé d’Affaires of Benin in Nigeria, Bernice Gnansounou Bankole, disclosed this during a sensitisation programme held in Abuja, where she urged citizens to turn out in large numbers.

She explained that Nigeria is among 10 countries selected for diaspora voting, with designated 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.

“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 election will feature the ruling coalition’s candidate, Minister of Finance and Economy, Romuald Wadagni, alongside incumbent Vice President Mariam Chabi Talata as his running mate, in a bid to succeed President Patrice Talon.

Speaking at the event, former President of Benin People in Nigeria, Hormone Younkpati, called on nationals in Nigeria to support the Wadagni Talata ticket, describing the pair as capable of sustaining the country’s development.

He said the election presents an opportunity for citizens in the diaspora to demonstrate their commitment to national progress.

“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 noted that recent reforms by the current administration have improved access to government services for citizens abroad, allowing many official processes to be completed online without travelling to Benin.

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

He stressed that the country’s progress should not be disrupted, urging voters to support leadership that promotes continuity and stability.

He also pointed to improvements in the country’s economy in recent years, noting that such gains should be consolidated through sustained governance.