The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is set to hold a Special National Governing Council (NGC) meeting on Monday, January 26, to formally ratify a decision to initiate structured coalition negotiations with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ahead of the 2027 General Election.

In a statement issued by UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar Hassan, the party said the meeting will bring together all UDA elected leaders, including governors, deputy governors, senators, Members of Parliament, women representatives and nominated officials. The meeting will be held at State House, Nairobi.

During the session, President William Ruto is expected to receive a performance scorecard on the implementation of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), the party’s flagship development blueprint outlined in its 2022 election manifesto.

The President will also be briefed by the National Elections Board (NEB) on the progress of UDA’s grassroots elections conducted in 42 counties.

According to the party, repeat elections have been scheduled in select polling centres, with Phase III repeat polls set for March 7, 2026, and Phase II repeat elections slated for March 28, 2026.

UDA further resolved to establish a UDA Aspirants Forum in response to growing interest from members seeking to contest various elective positions in the 2027 General Election.

“Registration for aspirants seeking positions at the polling centre level begins today through the party website. All interested members are encouraged to register,” the statement read.

The inaugural Aspirants Forum meeting is scheduled for February 4, 2026, at State House, Nairobi.

“We invite all aspirants intending to vie for various elective positions in the 2027 General Election to register through the UDA portal starting today,” the party added.

The developments come amid heightened political activity following UDA’s decision to authorise President Ruto to initiate formal coalition talks with ODM ahead of the next polls.

However, the proposed partnership has sparked mixed reactions within ODM, with some members backing the move while others have expressed reservations.

In an effort to steady the party, ODM leader Dr. Oburu Odinga said the party will maintain its current engagement under the broad-based political arrangement until 2027.

He noted that ODM would thereafter determine whether to field its own presidential candidate or pursue a coalition agreement. Should the party opt to field a candidate, Oburu said he would be the ODM presidential flag bearer.

The position was ratified during a National Steering Committee (NSC) meeting held on Wednesday, January 26, chaired by President William Ruto.