Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) deputy party leader and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has outlined the party's approach to selecting a potential running mate candidate should they enter a coalition arrangement ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking at NTV's 'Fixing the Nation' on Monday, October 27, Nassir addressed questions about whether ODM would be willing to provide a deputy presidential candidate if Kenya Kwanza, led by President William Ruto, approached them for a partnership.
When asked directly if he would be the candidate for deputy president, Governor Nassir was quick to dismiss the idea.
"Yeah, I'm comfortable where I am," he stated firmly.
The conversation then turned to Homabay Governor Gladys Wanga as a potential candidate. Nassir emphasized that any such decision would require extensive internal consultation.
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"Before even proposing Gladys to be the deputy president, first of all, I'd have a sit down with her and ask, are you interested in being the deputy president?" he explained.
The Mombasa Governor stressed that ODM has numerous capable leaders who could fill the role. He outlined a democratic process that would involve discussions at multiple party levels.
"We will discuss it internally, fathom all the options that are there, weigh it out, ask ourselves is there someone else who would make equally a deputy president?" Nassir said.
The governor acknowledged that this would mark a significant departure from ODM's traditional strategy.
"Since ODM was formed 20 years ago, this would be the first time that ODM goes into an election, not as the lead in a presidential ticket," he admitted.
When pressed on whether he would push for ODM to take a deputy position rather than field a presidential candidate, Nassir framed it as a matter of practicality.
These comments come weeks after President William Ruto hinted at a potential partnership with ODM during Raila Odinga's funeral on October 19.
Ruto suggested that ODM would either form or be part of the next government, pledging not to let the party crumble under political divisions.
"By the grace of God, ODM will either form the government or be part of the next government. What I cannot allow, out of respect for Raila, and I will do everything I can with God’s help, is for those who want to destroy the ODM party and go play opposition politics outside. That will not happen," Ruto stated.
However, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna struck a different tone at the same event, insisting that the party would not play second fiddle to any other outfit in 2027.
Sifuna referenced statements made by Raila in September before his death, in which the former Prime Minister urged ODM to prepare for the 2027 General Election as an independent force.
"Baba Raila Odiga spoke openly to the country on September 22 to the ODM MPs. I asked leaders not to come up with non-existent statements. Baba said that ODM must prepare for the 2027 General Election. To those spreading non-existent pronouncements, Baba wondered where you got all that from," he added.
