Govt: Three ex-presidents alliance aimed at securing ticket for 2028 to challenge Pres. Muizzu

The government’s Chief Spokesperson, Mohamed Hussain Shareef (Mundhu), stated on Thursday that the emerging alliance among three former presidents is ultimately aimed at securing a ticket to challenge President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu in the 2028 presidential election.

His remarks come in the wake of the imprisonment of two journalists on Tuesday for allegedly violating a Criminal Court order.

As public concern over the issue intensified, former MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail called on former presidents Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, and Mohamed Nasheed to put aside their differences and unite to “save the nation.”

In response, former President Yameen told Sun on Wednesday that he has decided to work alongside the other two former presidents to defend journalists.

Mundhu was questioned by journalists regarding the growing political alignment among the former leaders during a press briefing held on Thursday.

In response, Mundhu noted that, in addition to the three former presidents, several political figures who had remained absent from the political scene over the past two years have now resurfaced to criticize the government.

While welcoming increased political engagement, Mundhu expressed his belief that the alliance is politically motivated.

“In my opinion, this is a strategic move to secure the tickets to challenge our President when he seeks a second term from the people in 2028,” he said.

Mundhu further pointed out that although the three leaders have now chosen to work together, they had previously ordered each other’s arrests and had at various times described one another as their “main rival.”

He concluded by stating that the way in which the former presidents governed, as well as the public’s decision to deny each of them a second term, are matters that deserve serious reflection.

Mundhu’s remarks come amid growing competition over the presidential ticket. Within the MDP, Fayyaz is viewed as a potential contender, while former President Solih has also previously expressed interest. There is also speculation MDP’s President Abdulla Shahid may seek the ticket, alongside several other prominent political figures.

Separately, former President Yameen has already publicly announced his intention to contest the 2028 presidential election.