The ex-governor also drummed up support for his ODM party leader Raila Odinga saying he has the best chance to ascend to power in 2022.
Abdullahi said he was humbled by the overwhelming support from residents, promising not to let them down.
“I have been receiving encouraging messages from Wajir residents. I assure you that I will not let you down. We are determined to bring Wajir back on track,” he said.
“Residents of Northern Kenya heavily rely on services offered by the county governments in health and water service provision. Poor leadership and political squabbling between the Executive and Assembly for the last four years led to little progress in Wajir,” Abdullahi said.
The former governor, is credited with setting up county structures and generally transforming the area.
Abdullahi who was endorsed by his Mattan sub-clan from the larger Wajir West is expected to wrestle it out with three other aspirants who have declared interest for the post in August 2022.
The four hopefuls include Abdullahi, Ugas Sheikh Mohamed, Nairobi South Hospital proprietor Hassan Mohamed and Environment CAS Mohamed Elmi.
Politics in the area revolve around Degodia, Ogaden and Ajuran clans. Governorship hopefuls have started meeting elders from different clans.
The contest is between the West and East voting blocs. The latter consists of Wajir East and Tarbaj constituencies, while the former has Eldas and Wajir West.
During the 2013 general election, an alliance that brought together the three clans delivered victory, while Fai clan members who won the governorship seat have been meeting to plan how to field a candidate.
Ahmed Mukhtar who is now the county boss, lashed out at his former boss Abdi saying he was bent on creating unnecessary tension in the county.
-Edited by SKanyara
