BOGOTA, Colombia — A Colombian senator who lost the nation’s presidential election warned Tuesday that he will refuse to recognize the victory of Abelardo de la Espriella unless he renounces his U.S. citizenship and addresses allegations of ties to foreign interests.
Progressive senator Iván Cepeda, who narrowly lost June’s presidential runoff to de la Espriella by fewer than 250,000 votes, called on the conservative lawyer to renounce his U.S. citizenship, arguing that holding dual nationality while serving as president could create conflicts of interest.
Cepeda also challenged de la Espriella to clarify whether he is an “agent” of the United States, citing the latter’s defense of a former paramilitary leader who acted as an informant for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Additionally, Cepeda urged de la Espriella to abandon efforts to extradite outgoing President Gustavo Petro, whom U.S. prosecutors in Brooklyn are investigating for alleged links to drug traffickers.
“If these conditions of legality are not met, as the leader of the opposition, I will embark on the path of peaceful civil disobedience that implies not recognizing the authority of someone who will not defend our national sovereignty,” Cepeda said.
De la Espriella, a 47-year-old lawyer who ran on a tough-on-crime platform and was endorsed by U.S. President Donald Trump, has not responded to the demands. He obtained U.S. citizenship as an adult after living in Florida, where he operated a law firm representing high-profile clients, including individuals accused of human rights abuses and financial crimes.
Although Cepeda conceded defeat after election authorities confirmed de la Espriella’s victory with 49.6% of the vote compared to Cepeda’s 48.7%, he reiterated his refusal to legitimize a leader he deems unqualified.
Political analysts note that Cepeda’s stance, while legally inconsequential—since de la Espriella has already been certified as the winner by Colombia’s National Electoral Council—could fuel street protests or obstruct the incoming administration’s agenda in Congress. Cepeda’s party, the Historical Pact, holds the most senate seats but lacks the majority needed to block legislation independently.
