Simone Ehivet Gbagbo has been selected by the Pan-African Congress for Justice and Equality of Peoples (Cojep) as their candidate for the presidential election scheduled for October 25, 2025. She was chosen following an internal vote during the party’s national convention, chaired by Charles Blé Goudé, held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the FHB Foundation in Yamoussoukro. The vote took place after a heated debate and under the supervision of a court usher.

At the end of the election, the former First Lady received 127 votes, representing 77% of the votes cast, against 31 votes (19%) for Ahoua Don Mello. Henriette Lagou received one vote, while Jean-Louis Billon received none.

During the event, Charles Blé Goudé highlighted Simone Gbagbo’s political journey, portraying her as a determined and principled political leader.

Following this decision to back Simone Gbagbo, the party immediately mobilized for the campaign. Charles Blé Goudé instructed Cojep militants to tour every village in the country to rally support for Simone Ehivet Gbagbo.

The Cojep leader also emphasized his commitment to bringing Simone Gbagbo and Ahoua Don Mello together to strengthen their position. Prior to the internal vote, Charles Blé Goudé had met with opposition candidates, including Henriette Lagou, to discuss their political programs and explore possibilities for a united opposition strategy aimed at securing a victory.