Nassir urges ODM to consider pre-election coalition with UDA ahead of 2027
By Joel Masibo, December 29, 2025The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) deputy party leader, Abdulswamad Nassir, has called on the political outfit to take a pragmatic approach to national politics by considering a formal pre-election coalition with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ahead of the 2027 general election.
In a statement framed around the demands of leadership released on Monday, December 29, 2025, the Mombasa County Governor said difficult political moments require clear-eyed decisions grounded in reality rather than emotion. He argued that his position is informed by a sober assessment of the current political landscape, the balance of forces within it, and the most viable pathways for ODM to protect its interests while advancing its agenda.
ODM-UDA coalition
”Leadership sometimes requires making hard, pragmatic choices guided by a clear reading of reality. I am calling on my colleagues within
@TheODMparty to consider formalisation of a pre-election coalition with the United Democratic Alliance in good faith ahead of the 2027 elections. This position is informed by a sober assessment of the political terrain, the balance of forces, and the pathways available to protect our interests and advance our agenda,” Nassir wrote on X.
“Beyond the implementation of the 10-Point Agenda, politics is about choices,” Nassir said, emphasising that parties must choose engagement over perpetual confrontation, strategy over sentiment, and outcomes over slogans. According to the governor, such an approach would allow ODM to remain relevant and effective in shaping national policy and governance.
Amid the current broad-based arrangements between ODM and the Kenya Kwanza regime, Nassir has also noted that any potential coalition should be built in good faith, stressing the importance of mutual respect and tolerance among partners. He drew a contrast between working with parties that demonstrate openness and respect, and aligning with forces he accused of showing contempt and discrimination, particularly in matters of inclusion and political “shareholding.”
Playing the cards well
The ODM member argued that leadership demands clarity of purpose, courage to make unpopular decisions, and the discipline to act in the long-term interests of both the party and the people it represents. He maintained that a strategic partnership, if carefully negotiated, could help ODM secure tangible outcomes for its supporters while strengthening its national influence ahead of the next election cycle.
”We would rather work with partners who have demonstrated respect and tolerance than align with those who have consistently shown contempt and discrimination (shareholding). This is what leadership demands: clarity, courage, and the discipline to act in the long-term interest of our people and our party.” He added.
Nassir’s remarks come at a moment when a section of ODM members has raised an alarm over attempts to auction the party, two months after its leader and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga died.