Meet 49-year-old President-elect of Republic of Benin, Nigerian President reacts

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PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES WADAGNI, BENIN REPUBLIC’S PRESIDENT-ELECT

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the President-elect of the Republic of Benin, His Excellency, Romuald Wadagni, on his victory at the polls.

Romuald Wadagni, the country’s Minister of Finance, secured an overwhelming majority of the vote in the presidential election held on April 12.

In a letter signed by him, President Tinubu said the victory “reflects the trust the Beninese people have placed in your vision and your distinguished record of service as Minister of Finance.”

President Tinubu also stated that Nigeria and the Republic of Benin “share a long history of friendship, cultural ties, and cooperation,” adding that he looked forward to working with His Excellency Romuald Wadagni to strengthen bilateral relations.

The full text of the letter :

Your Excellency and Dear Brother,

“On behalf of the Government and the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I extend my warmest congratulations to you on your election as the President of the Republic of Benin following the polls held on April 12, 2026.

“I commend the Government and people of the Benin Republic for conducting a peaceful election and noted that Wadagni’s victory reflects the trust the people have placed in his vision and record of service as the current Minister of Finance.

“This transition marks a significant chapter in your nation’s history. I therefore commend the people of Benin for their resilience and commitment to the democratic process and to maintaining peace during the election cycle.

“Our two nations share a long history of friendship, cultural ties, and cooperation. I therefore look forward to working closely with your administration to strengthen our bilateral relations further, enhance regional security, and promote economic prosperity within the ECOWAS sub-region and the African Union.

“As you prepare to assume the onerous responsibilities of the high office of the Presidency, I wish you great wisdom, fortitude, and success. You can please rest assured of my unstinting support and cooperation in this regard.”

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information and Strategy)
April 16, 2026