Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has declared that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will aggressively pursue a share of executive power in the next general election.

Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV, Nassir admitted that the party is still grappling with the political vacuum left by Odinga, describing it as a major setback.

"The loss of Baba was a big blow to our political formation and it’s difficult to fill his shoes,” he said.

The ODM deputy party leader, however, emphasized that the party is now focused on rebuilding and repositioning itself ahead of the next electoral cycle.

"As we rebuild, we will push for the position of Deputy President in the coalition talks,” Nassir stated, adding that the party intends to secure a meaningful stake in government.

He further explained that the final decision on who will carry the party’s interests at that level will rest with ODM’s internal structures.

“Our ODM party organs will decide the most viable candidate for the role,” he said.

Nassir nonetheless openly expressed his personal preference, backing former Mombasa Governor and current Cabinet Secretary Hassan Ali Joho for the position.

"My personal preference is Ali Hassan Joho. I believe he has the requisite experience and political stature, but we will abide by the decision of the party,” he added.

His remarks echo growing momentum within ODM’s Coast leadership, which has increasingly rallied behind Joho as a preferred candidate for the deputy presidency in 2027.