Mvita Member of Parliament Abdulswamad Nassir has said he is the best candidate to fly the ODM party flag in the Mombasa gubernatorial race.

The race to pick the ODM flag bearer in the Mombasa gubernatorial race has been narrowed down to two, Nassir and businessman Suleiman Shahbal.

Nassir on Saturday held a meeting with 130 out of 163 MCA aspirants in Mombasa where he expressed his confidence in clinching the ODM party ticket to take over from outgoing Mombasa governor Hassan Ali Joho.

“Numbers don’t lie, of the 163 MCA aspirants who were confirmed to have paid the nomination fees, 130 are here with us today.  This is a sign of victory ahead for us,” said a jovial Nassir.

Adding " For you to be picked to be a flag bearer you have to meet certain qualifications and this applies worldwide not only in Kenya. First you must be loyal to the party, you must have been tested in leadership and be someone who can deliver to the people. I meet all these qualifications"

The legislature revealed intrigues of what had transpired in Nairobi since Wednesday after the ODM National Election Board called Mombasa aspirants for a meeting.

According to the MP, two opinion polls commissioned by the party had put him ahead.

His opponents he said protested the polls forcing the ODM NEB to commission a third opinion poll.

Following the standoff, the party postponed the planned nomination exercise slated for April 5 and 6. NEB chairperson Catherine Mumma issued a notice confirming the postponement.

Earlier on, there were confusing reports spreading on social media one saying that Nassir had been handed the party ticket with others saying that the ticket was handed to Shahbal.

“The two polls commissioned by the party have put me ahead. Our opponents disagreed and even doubted the party. A third poll is currently underway and I have no doubt, the results will be the same,” he said.

He further called on his main rival to respect the party and the decision that will be taken.

“During the NGC and the NDC held last month, the party resolved to use consensus, opinion polls or universal suffrage to get the right candidates to fly the party flag. I urge all of us to respect the party decision and direction,” he said.

Nassir further assured the aspirants that no one was going to be left out after the nominations promising to accommodate them in his government when he clinches the seat.

He also assured them that there were no preferred candidates for the ward positions saying that they will all be subjected to a free and fair nomination exercise.

Jomvu Member of Parliament Badi Twalib and his Likoni counterpart Mishi Mboko rooted for Nassir saying he was best fit to take over from governor Joho.

“I have worked with Nassir in parliament for the last nine years. He has proven to be a compassionate leader who has the interest of Mombasa people and the coast region at heart. Today I once again pledge my 100 percent support to you my brother,” said Twalib.

Mboko on her side called on their opponents to respect the party’s decision and directions.

“The ground has spoken, Nassir is the preferred ODM candidate. His track record speaks volume, he has sponsored several motions and bill in the national assembly advocating not only vor the region, but the country at large,” said Mboko.

The meeting was also attended by sole Mvita ODM Mp aspirant  Soud Machele, Goshi Juma (Changamwe) and Said Abdalla alias Saedo of Nyali who all pledged to rally behind Nassir.