BAIDOA, Somalia, April 26 — Somali Lower House Speaker Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur, widely known as Adan Madobe and a presidential candidate for the Southwest state administration, arrived in Baidoa on Sunday leading a large delegation amid growing political consultations ahead of the regional election.
The delegation was received at Baidoa airport by the interim leader of Southwest state, Jibril Abdiraashid Haji, in the presence of senior officials, politicians and members of civil society.
Officials said the visit was aimed at strengthening political consultations and participating in the ongoing electoral process in Southwest Somalia, where preparations for the leadership transition are underway.
Southwest authorities said they were committed to holding a free, transparent and constitutional election, adding that all candidates would be given an equal opportunity to take part in the process.
Adan Madobe thanked the people of Baidoa for what he described as a warm welcome and stressed the importance of unity, cooperation and political stability to achieve sustainable development in the region.
His arrival comes amid heightened political activity in Southwest state, with Villa Somalia seen as backing his candidacy in the closely watched presidential race.
