Tidjane Thiam Steps Down as PDCI Leader but Stays in the Presidential Race

Edition : Africa Eye

Tidjane Thiam announced on Monday his resignation as president of Côte d’Ivoire’s main opposition party, the Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire (PDCI), while affirming his continued commitment to the upcoming presidential election scheduled for October 2025.

In a video statement shared on his social media platforms, Thiam addressed party supporters, saying: “In the best interest of the party, I have decided to place my mandate as party president back in your hands.”

His resignation comes amid ongoing legal challenges to his election as party leader in December 2023. A party member has filed a judicial complaint, claiming Thiam did not hold Ivorian nationality at the time of the vote — a requirement under PDCI’s internal rules.

Despite stepping down from party leadership, Thiam made it clear that his departure does not affect his political ambitions. He reiterated his determination to lead the PDCI to victory in the 2025 presidential race, even though he has been removed from the electoral roll.

The announcement marks a period of uncertainty within the PDCI, as the party approaches a crucial electoral cycle with no confirmed candidate at the helm.