Tensions rise between Fayyaz, Shahid over MDP presidential ticket
While Shahid has not officially announced his candidacy for the MDP primary, he is reportedly considering it.
Rivalry between MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail and MDP President Abdulla Shahid for the party’s 2028 presidential ticket became evident following an exchange in the MDP National Assembly’s WhatsApp group on Saturday.
The tension surfaced after Shahid expressed dissatisfaction over party social media posts that were shared without consulting him. In a message to the group on Saturday, Shahid questioned whether the party president was excluded from leadership activities.
“Isn’t the party president among the senior leaders conducting these activities?” Shahid asked.
The incident sparked debate among group members. One member questioned whether Fayyaz had conducted the activity without proper authorisation, while another defended his actions, stating that they could be shared on party social media accounts.
In response, Fayyaz replied to Shahid with a sarcastic remark suggesting the party’s social media accounts should be abolished. Referring to Shahid, he added, “There are too many children.”
Fayyaz then announced his decision to contest the MDP primary for the 2028 presidential ticket, seeking the support of National Assembly members. Some members publicly expressed their support for him.
MDP Deputy Chairperson Ibrahim Waheed clarified that the event in question was not an official party activity. Speaking to Atoll Times, he explained that he had visited a fishing area and market at the request of a fisherman.
“This was not an event organised by the party. It was a sudden visit requested by a fisherman,” Waheed said.
While Shahid has not officially announced his candidacy for the MDP primary, he is reportedly considering it. Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, in a recent interview, stated he has not decided whether to contest the 2028 election, citing concerns about causing divisions within the party.
Some observers view Solih’s remarks as an indication that he remains interested in the presidency, though he has yet to make a formal declaration.
