The spokesperson for the Rally of Houphouëtists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP), Kobenan Kouassi Adjoumani, responded to recent statements by the president of the African Peoples' Party – Côte d’Ivoire (PPA-CI), Laurent Gbagbo, during a press conference held on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, in Abidjan-Cocody.

In a tone mixing firmness and mockery, the ruling party’s spokesperson dismissed any possibility of a direct "bloody" confrontation with the former head of state. "I have indeed heard that someone wanted to fight, that he wants to brawl. But fight with whom? And why? No, there will be no fight," he said, adding that "to fight, there must be at least two."

According to him, the RHDP and its president, Head of State Alassane Ouattara, have other priorities. "We are fighting against poverty, underdevelopment (...), for the electrification of villages, to provide drinking water to Ivorians," he emphasized, outlining ongoing government actions, particularly in education, health, and infrastructure.

For Adjoumani, responding to Laurent Gbagbo would be a "waste of time" for President Ouattara, whose mission is "to elevate Côte d’Ivoire at all levels and not to bring it down." He even described the former president as responsible for the country’s "descent into hell" during his years in power.

The minister did not hesitate to use a striking phrase. "President Alassane Ouattara is the ‘GOAT’ of development, he is a legend. And you don’t challenge legends," he declared.

While affirming that the RHDP takes no pleasure in making such remarks about a former head of state, Adjoumani insisted on the need for Laurent Gbagbo to respect the office he once held. "Someone who had the chance to hold such high office must have respect for himself," he said.

Through its spokesperson, the RHDP reassured the Ivorian people that, as promised by the Head of State, the presidential election on October 25 will be held within the constitutional deadlines, in a calm atmosphere and with transparency. "All necessary measures will be taken to that effect," he assured. He added, "Candidates declared eligible according to the texts by the competent authorities will compete with absolute respect for the rules of fairness and transparency. Consequently, those who harbor the unfortunate plan to obstruct this process will simply have to face the full force of the law."