Wajir Governor Mohamed Abdi Mohamud has declared that he has withdrawn his candidature from the gubernatorial race ahead of the much awaited August elections.

While announcing his exit from the race, Mohamud said that he has decided to step down in favour of Gubernatorial aspirant Ugas Sheikh Mohamud after wide consultations.

Abdi termed Ugas as the most suitable candidate to take from him and has no baggage.

He described him as a trusted politician who can spearhead the county and provide good leadership.

Mohamud further cautioned Wajir county residents to be wary of the leaders running for various office and advised them to elect Candidates that meet the wishes and aspirations of the people of Wajir.

He also appealed to them to be careful of candidates who have been involved in destabilising the county in the last couple of years that he said had affected the delivery of services to the county residents.

Eventually, Mohamud provided a list of candidates whom he said are his/her preferred candidates urging the locals to vote for them.

Among those he listed are former Wajir East MP Abass Sheikh Mohamed for senate seat, Yussuf Farah for Wajir West, Ahmed Boray for Eldas and Ismail Sheikh for Wajir East.

Abdi failed to clinch the Jubilee Party ticket at the nominations which was won by Dr Hassan Mohamed.

He was running as an independent candidate.

Eight candidates are seeking to succeed Mr Mohamud. He failed to clinch the Jubilee Party ticket at the nominations won by Dr Hassan Mohamed.

Those in the race are Mr Ahmed Abdullahi (ODM), Dr Abdullahi Ibrahim Ali (UDM), Mr Ahmed Ali Muktar (UDA), Prof Osman Warfa (Nark), Dr Siyat Abdullahi (Wiper), Mr Ugas Sheikh Mohamed (ANC) and Mr Mohamed Ibrahim Elmi (Independent) .

Seven days from now on August 9, 164,200 registered voters will decide who among the eight candidates will take over from the mantle from the outgoing county boss.