Mombasa Governor and ODM Deputy Party Leader Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir on Monday called on ODM leaders to initiate formal coalition discussions with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ahead of the 2027 elections.
He said leadership requires clarity, courage, and pragmatism, urging the party to prioritise engagement over confrontation, strategy over sentiment, and long-term outcomes over short-term slogans in order to safeguard ODM’s influence and national interests.
Nassir noted that his position is informed by a sober assessment of the political terrain, the balance of forces, and the available pathways to protect ODM’s interests and advance its agenda.
The governor added that beyond implementing the 10-Point Agenda between ODM and the Kenya Kwanza government, politics is ultimately about choices.
“We must choose engagement over perpetual confrontation, strategy over sentiment, and outcomes over slogans,” he said.
According to Nassir, ODM should collaborate with partners who have demonstrated respect and tolerance rather than align with those who have shown contempt and discrimination.
“This is what leadership demands—clarity, courage, and the discipline to act in the long-term interest of our people and our party,” he noted.
Reflecting on past political arrangements, Nassir reminded party members that ODM has previously contested elections through coalitions, including CORD, NASA, and Azimio, in the 2013 and 2017 elections.
“ODM has always entered elections as part of a coalition. It is not new for the party to initiate talks,” he said.
“As deputy party leader, I assert that our position is clear: this January, the Central Committee of ODM must meet and set an agenda for the party to begin formal talks with the President’s party, UDA.”
He stressed that ODM remains Kenya’s strongest political party, citing its influence in key regions.
“Mombasa is ODM, Kilifi is ODM,” he said, pointing to the party’s strong grassroots support as a foundation for strategic coalition negotiations.
Nassir urged party leaders to act promptly.
“We need to sit at the negotiation table now,” he said, adding that early engagement would allow ODM to protect its interests, secure strategic positions, and shape national policy ahead of the 2027 elections.
The governor further noted that ODM’s Constitution empowers the party leader to initiate coalition discussions, reaffirming both the legality and strategic importance of early talks.
“Our party constitution is clear. Party leaders can start negotiations and form coalitions to prepare for elections,” he said.
He concluded by calling for a pragmatic and forward-looking approach.
“The stakes are high, and Kenya’s political landscape requires disciplined leadership and strategic foresight. ODM must act now to safeguard its dominance, protect its agenda, and ensure the party is well positioned for 2027,” Nassir said.
