Speaking at a meeting in Galkayo, Gulleid said he will be contesting for the regional presidency during the forthcoming presidential elections in the region.

He said he is quite optimistic that he will be elected to the post in the coming elections.

Gulleid promised to prioritise reconciliation, expansion of the regional administration, and security issues as well as development if he is elected to the top seat.

Locals in the region are set to elect their leaders next August.

Several candidates have joined the race for the regional top seat, but whoever is elected faces challenges that the sitting president Mr. Alin and his predecessor could not accomplish.

A among key contenders vying for the top seat is the former Somali police commander, Abdi Hassan Awale Qeybdid who also declared his interest in Galmudug’s top seat few months ago.

Qeybdid said he will do a lot for the region if he is elected to the post, promising to tackle insecurity and foster relations with the neighbouring Puntland administration in order strengthen security in the region.