Ivory Coast: Tidjane Thiam designated PDCI candidate for 2025 presidential election

A big victory at the party’s internal convention

Following an elective convention held across the country on April 16, 2025, the Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire (PDCI) designated Tidjane Thiam as its official candidate for the presidential election of October 25, 2025.
The only candidate in the race, the former minister and banker obtained 99.50% of the vote , according to the results announced on April 17. Currently abroad, this designation marks a key step for Tidjane Thiam and his party, even if the path to the highest office remains strewn with pitfalls.

A legally contested application

Debates surrounding Tidjane Thiam’s Ivorian nationality

At 62, Tidjane Thiam recently renounced his French nationality to comply with Ivorian electoral law.
However, his opponents cite Article 48 of the Nationality Code , which states that an Ivorian adult loses his nationality after 15 years if he voluntarily acquires another nationality.

Proceedings in progress before the CEI and the courts

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) is currently processing 150 requests to remove Tidjane Thiam from the electoral register. Some requests have already been rejected, but the IEC is expected to make its final decisions by April 20 .

At the same time, PDCI activist Valérie Yapo has initiated legal proceedings challenging the legality of her election as party leader in December 2023. This case will be heard on April 24 by the Abidjan Court of First Instance.

Conclusion

Acclaimed by his party, Tidjane Thiam enters the 2025 Ivorian presidential race with solid internal legitimacy, but facing persistent legal obstacles. Between electoral procedures and legal challenges, the former banker will first have to confirm his eligibility before truly seeking the highest office. The outcome of these appeals could reconfigure the Ivorian political landscape just months before the election.