After weeks of silence following his threat to pull his party (formerly PRD) out of the ruling coalition, veteran politician Adrien Houngbédji seems to have softened his stance. Recent developments suggest that the former Speaker of the National Assembly may have once again aligned himself with the ruling bloc, despite previously signaling an imminent break.
Houngbédji, leader of the so-called “Tchoco-Tchoco,” had recently questioned the governance style of President Patrice Talon, openly criticizing what he called a politics of exclusion. Speaking at the Youth Summit in Cotonou, he declared:
“It is the government’s methods that provoke the kind of opposition it faces. If you run a government of freedom, who will rise to say they want to stage a coup? Political prisoners must be freed, and those in exile must be allowed to return.”
His remarks were widely interpreted as a clear warning of a political divorce. He even raised administrative objections challenging the merger of his PRD party with the Progressive Union bloc. These moves drew the attention of the opposition, including a visit from former President Boni Yayi, who seemed to hope Houngbédji would become a powerful ally.
However, a report by international outlet Le Point indicates a change in posture. The ruling coalition’s newly nominated candidate reportedly visited Houngbédji soon after his designation. According to the report, the meeting ended “in a warm atmosphere, with embraces,” signaling the politician’s support for the candidate.
This development could disappoint opposition figures who were counting on Houngbédji to stand with them. Critics have long accused him of political inconsistency, and his latest move may reinforce that perception.
For now, Houngbédji has not publicly clarified his position, but all indications point to a renewed alliance with the ruling coalition. Political observers say his next public statement will be crucial in confirming whether he has indeed returned fully to the fold.
