Disgruntled MDP members gather signatures for no-confidence motion against Gapo

Abdul Ghafoor Moosa (Gapo). (Photo/MDP)

Disgruntled members of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) have begun gathering signatures to submit a petition to the national council demanding a no-confidence motion against the party’s interim chairperson Abdul Ghafoor Moosa (Gapo).

Sun has learnt of efforts to gather signatures for a petition to unseat Abdul Ghafoor, who was elected as the party’s interim chairperson in December last year. However, it is unclear how many members have signed the petition so far.

Many refused to talk about the petition.

The internal turmoil comes with the main opposition party fresh from its victory in the local council elections and referendum held last weekend.

On Monday night, former president Mohamed Nasheed and former party chairperson Fayyaz Ismail boycotted the rally held by the MDP in Male’ City to celebrate its election victory, after they were reportedly denied the chance to speak at the event.

(From L-R) Former President Mohamed Nasheed, former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, and Hanimaadhoo MP Abdul Ghafoor Moosa at MDP’s campaign closing rally for the local council elections on April 3, 2026. (Sun Photo/Aaish Ashraf)

The turmoil deepened further on Tuesday, after the party’ deputy chairperson Ibrahim Waheed (Iburey) and legal director Ahmd Mauroof (Matey) were abruptly dismissed with no explanation.

Iburey rejects his dismissal.

He told Sun that the party’s chairperson does not have the authority to dismiss him without approval from the national council.

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

Iburey had been among members loyal to Nasheed who boycotted Monday’s rally after the former Maldivian leader was denied the chance to speak at the event.

But in a post on X after the rally, Abdul Ghafoor said that Nasheed and Fayyaz had not originally been scheduled to speak at the event, but that he had been working to add them to the agenda after they requested the chance to speak.

He also slammed the spread of statements designed to cause discord within the party, and urged unity.

The incident highlights the divisions that continue to linger within the MDP, even after Nasheed and his allies returned to the party after their 2023 exit to form the Democrats.