Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi has declared that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is not ready to field a presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election, saying the party will instead support President William Ruto for a second term.

Speaking during a church fundraising event in Karachuonyo Constituency on Saturday, October 25, Atandi said ODM’s participation in the broad-based government was a long-term strategy and urged dissenting voices within the party to leave rather than “plant seeds of discord.”

His remarks were echoed by Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo, who emphasized that the party’s current priority should be strengthening its internal structures and unity rather than engaging in premature succession politics.

Meanwhile, Luo Council of Elders chairman Nyandiko Ongadi appealed for calm among ODM leaders, urging them to lower political temperatures in light of the recent passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

The statements come amid growing debate within ODM over its future direction and leadership in the post-Raila era.