Mvita Member of Parliament Abdulswamad Nassir has weighed in on businessman Suleiman Shahbal's defection from Jubilee Party to ODM ahead of the 2022 General Elections.
Shahbal announced his move to ODM on Sunday, June 13, with an aim to contest the Mombasa gubernatorial seat on the party's ticket.
According to a Daily Nation report on June 19, Nassir referred to the businessman as a serial defector that should not be trusted to head the county.
File image of Mvita MP Abdulswamad Nassir and aspiring Frere Ward MCA Mohammed Share Yuri.
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The National Assembly Public Investments Committee (PIC) Chairman, however, stated that Shahbal's defection to ODM does not pose any threat.
The Mvita legislator declared that he is ready to contest the party ticket against the businessman and any other interested candidate, noting that he needs no favours from the party's leadership in the race to succeed Governor Ali Hassan Joho.
“I have no problem with him (Shahbal) at all. I just pray that he does not defect again. I’m ready to face him in the nominations by all means. It is the people who are going to decide and have the ultimate say,” Nassir was quoted as saying.
“You cannot move from one political party that believes in something else today, then jump to another the next day,” he added, noting that Shahbal lacks a clear political stand.
Nassir, a vocal member of the ODM Party and one of its renown leaders from the Coast region, backed Governor Joho's bid in 2013 and 2017, twice trouncing Shahbal.
The lawmaker expressed confidence in is declaration to succeed Joho, and will most probably receive the governor's support.
“It is not an issue of endorsement. Mr Joho has one vote but ultimately it is what the people will decide. But I prefer working with Governor Joho because I want to finalise what he started,” Nassir explained.
He further noted that ODM Leader Raila Odinga will not endorse the businessman for the post, referring to the former Premier as a democrat who will let the people of Mombasa decide.
"Give me one reason Mr. Odinga will support a person who has disrespected him before, disrespected the party, shown no level of loyalty and is less popular. Mzee (Raila) is not that kind person.
“We believe in loyalty to the party, and people who can deliver. I have delivered and made him proud in and out of the National Assembly. He is aware of my aspiration,” Nassir stated.
The legislator maintained that he will contest the seat with his track record as his resume. The lawmaker is acknowledged for his massive efforts in voicing the economic and social challenges affecting the people of Mombasa in Parliament.
He has also been an instrumental figure during the Covid-19 pandemic period, both by by ensuring safety of the people of Mombasa, and probing the multi-billion KEMSA scandal.
"I am not the only loyal person the party has built but I am among the loyal people in ODM since my entry in politics,” he stated.
