Two North Western State of Somalia Ministers Step Down, Support Irro Amid Rising Opposition Pre-Election

Mogadishu (AX) — In North Western State of Somalia, two deputy ministers have thrown in the towel, indicating a major realignment in the political sphere just a few weeks shy of the crucial November 13 presidential election. These officials, formerly aligned with the sitting Kulmiye Party, have now pledged their allegiance to Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, known as Irro, from the opposition. Their rationale? A push for transformation.

Nasir Aydid Mohamed, once serving as Deputy Minister of Fisheries, expressed his intention to side with Irro, although his political home remains the Kulmiye Party. “In 2017, Muse Bihi had my support, which gifted me the Deputy Minister role,” he remarked. “I am grateful, but the times call for Irro to steer North Western State of Somalia’s ship,” said Mohamed.

Mohamud Elmi Yusuf, ex-Deputy Minister of Education, divulged his departure post-reckoning with his local supporters. “There’s a budding demand for change from the populace, and I see it as my duty to answer that call. Irro stands as the beacon of change we need,” Yusuf elaborated.

These resignations complement the cascade of high-profile departures from the Kulmiye fold as the opposition Waddani Party gathers traction. Recently, several prominent figures have switched allegiances to bolster Irro’s campaign, heaping pressure on the ruling party. Notables abandoning ship include Hussein Dayr and MPs Ahmed Isood Ahmed and Mursal Mohamed Jama, both of whom serve the Gabiley district.

Compounding the electricity in the air, the North Western State of Somalia Electoral Commission slammed penalties on the Kulmiye and Waddani parties alike for jumping the gun with their campaigning endeavors. Each party faced a financial slap on the wrist of 10 million North Western State of Somalia Shillings. Official campaign activities are scheduled to begin on October 19 and run until November 10, shortly preceding the election.

With the November 13 showdown on the horizon, the political tension hits a crescendo. Incumbent President Bihi, eyeing a second term, contends with a swelling opposition that has rallied disenfranchised figures from his camp. Experts muse this election might redefine North Western State of Somalia’s political future.

Edited by: Ali Musa

alimusa@axadletimes.com

Axadle international–Monitoring