Iburey rejects abrupt sacking, says MDP chair acted outside constitutional powers

MDP Vice‑Chairman Ibrahim Waheed (Iburey) was abruptly removed from his post on Tuesday, deepening the party’s internal tensions.

According to the dismissal letter, the decision was made under Article 70 of the MDP constitution, which states that the party chairperson may appoint, and remove, a deputy chairperson with the consent of the National Assembly.

However, Iburey strongly disputed the legality of the move.  

Speaking to Sun, he said the chairperson does not have the authority to dismiss him in this manner.

“This removal is not allowed under the party constitution. I do not accept that the chairperson can just dismiss me like this,” he said, openly challenging the decision.

Iburey’s removal comes at a moment of heightened friction within the party. The dispute intensified after former President Mohamed Nasheed was not allowed to speak at Monday’s celebration rally. Nasheed’s supporters boycotted the event, including Iburey.  

An empty seat placed between former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and interim chairman Abdul Ghafoor Moosa was later removed shortly after the rally began.

Some MDP members argue the party’s strong performance in Saturday’s council elections was driven by efforts to reintegrate Nasheed and his supporters.

The internal rift widened further on Tuesday when Ahmed Mauroof, the party’s legal director, was also dismissed. Mauroof told Sun he has asked the party to explain the reason for his removal. He acknowledged internal disagreements but said he did not believe such differences justified dismissing a technical officer.

The MDP has experienced repeated fractures in recent years. During President Solih’s administration, disagreements led to a major split, with Nasheed’s supporters forming The Democrats. Many have since returned to the MDP, and Nasheed, Fayyaz, and Shahid actively campaigned for the recent elections.