Yameen: Preferring President Muizzu over MDP isn’t an endorsement of current administration

Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom clarified last night that his recent remarks expressing a preference for President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu over the opposition MDP were not intended as praise for current administration’s performance, emphasizing that a significant majority of supporters within the ruling PNC remain loyal to him rather than to the President.

Yameen stated that he would still choose President Muizzu over the opposition MDP. His remarks prompted Ibrahim Falah, the ruling PNC’s Parliamentary Group Leader, to say that there was no doubt Yameen would campaign for President Muizzu’s re-election in 2028.

Addressing the comments at a gathering of his party, the People’s National Front (PNF), held at his residence, Yameen stressed that his preference should not be construed as an endorsement of the President’s performance.

"What I said was that I would prefer [President] Muizzu being in power over MDP returning to government at any time," Yameen clarified. He further explained that the statement should not be interpreted as him 'praising’  the President or actively working to maintain his leadership.

Elaborating on his position, Yameen said he does not believe the MDP is capable of governing the country responsibly, citing what he described as the extent to which the nation was 'ruined' during the party’s previous two administrations.

"Even with [President] Muizzu’s incompetence and including the fact that he is surrounded by major thieves, I am saying I do not support MDP. That was the context of my remark. It wasn’t a Nobel Prize speech for Muizzu. Therefore, it would be best if Falah and Shujau do not distort my words," he added.

Yameen noted that despite the brevity of his remarks, they had caused considerable 'commotion' among PNC members. He further asserted that he believes his supporters continue to outnumber those loyal to President Muizzu within the PNC.

President Muizzu came to power with Yameen’s backing after Yameen was disqualified from the presidential race due to a prison sentence for corruption. However, within a week of the new administration assuming office, relations between the two deteriorated, prompting Yameen to leave the ruling coalition and establish his own party. Since then, Yameen has made serious allegations against the President and the current administration.

Additionally, Yameen has formally announced his intention to contest the next presidential election and has already commenced political activities aimed at securing support for his candidacy.