Mariya enraged as MDP’s “mother”, demands apology from Adam Azim

Former MDP chairperson Mariya Ahmed Didi, who served as the Defense Minister during the last MDP administration, enraged by Malé Mayor Adam Azim, has delivered sharp criticism against him on Monday

Competition within MDP for the party’s mayoral primary has grown intense, with both camps trading heated words.

Adam Azim, who is currently the Male’ Mayor, is campaigning with eyes set for a second term. However, remarks made by Adam Azim during a recent campaign event have triggered huge backlash.

“At a time when the MDP was hiding under a blanket after losing the presidential election, it was this Adam Azim who stepped out of that blanket and, with strong determination, secured the Malé mayoral seat for the party and revived its spirit,” he said at a campaign rally, earning applause from the audience.

However, Mariya, enraged by the remarks, has delivered sharp criticism against Adam Azim.

Mariya, citing that she has not sided with either Azim contesting in MDP’s mayoral primary, said Adam Azim needs to apologize to MDP’s “golden yellow” army over his remarks.

“His remarks, implying that he alone is the MDP’s hope, are unacceptable to me—in all my roles, and especially in my capacity as MDP’s ‘mother,’ as many party members widely regard me,” Mariya said.

She also backed her arguments with reasons. They include:

• MDP’s army stood up without fear of guns when the party’s first administration fell on February 7, 2012
• MDP’s army stood up against PPM’s administration in 2013 despite existing fears

Hence, Mariya stressed that Adam Azim needs to apologize to MDP’s supporters for his remarks, referring to them.

“As I believe, MDP is bigger than any individual belonging to MDP. This is proven every by MDP’s yellow army,” she added.

MDP, which fractured into factions over disagreements during the last administration, has yet to find a path to unity. The resignation of Fayyaz Ismail, who had been serving as the party’s chairperson, further deepened divisions amid disputes over appointing an interim chairperson. However, the selection of a new interim chairperson is once again scheduled for tonight.

Meanwhile, two Azims—Adam Azim and Ali Azim—are locked in a fierce contest for the mayoral primary. Adam Azim is supported by former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and his allies, while Ali Azim has the backing of former President Mohamed Nasheed and his supporters.