Imran urges Shaheem to quit cabinet if rejoining Adhaalath

Adhaalath Party (AP) President Imran Abdulla has called on Islamic Minister Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed to resign from his cabinet post if he rejoins the Adhaalath Party and plans to compete for its leadership.

Shaheem announced Wednesday his decision to return to the party he co-founded in 2007, stating that he intends to run in the party’s internal elections to choose a new president later this year.

In a post on social media platform 'X' on Wednesday night, Imran made it clear that if Shaheem wishes to vie for AP's top leadership, he should step down from the government led by President Mohamed Muizzu.

“If Shaheem leaves the cabinet of President Muizzu and contests for the leadership of Adhaalath Party, I would welcome it,” said Imran, who served as Home Minister in the previous Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) government.

Shaheem was an early and prominent member of the Adhaalath Party and played a key role in its formation. However, internal disagreements—primarily with Imran—led to his departure. His return now signals a potential power shift within the party’s senior leadership.