Pres. Muizzu: Ex-presidents are ‘failures’ who have backstabbed each other

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has sharply criticized three former presidents who are eying an alliance, stating that leaders who once backstabbed each other have little meaningful contribution to offer the nation.

The remarks come in the wake of former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom’s announcement that he is prepared to work alongside former president Mohamed Nasheed and Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to defend press freedom. The three former heads of state are expected to meet tonight in what marks their first engagement of this nature.

Addressing supporters at a rally held on Thursday at the People’s National Congress (PNC) headquarters, President Muizzu took a dig at the emerging alliance. While emphasizing the importance of a credible opposition in maintaining a healthy democracy, he dismissed the coalition as a futile endeavor.

The President described the alliance as a gathering of “complete failures,” arguing that their shifting loyalties and past conduct have produced no tangible benefit for the country.

“As individuals who have been at each other's throats and have backstabbed one another come together to speak about the nation, they are nothing but failures. When such failures unit to discuss national interests, I believe our youth, upon analyzing this, will be very depressed,” the President remarked.

President Muizzu further said the records of the three former leaders disqualify them from criticizing the current administration’s governance or achievements. He accused the former presidents of acting out of self-interest rather than genuine commitment to one another or the country.

Referring specifically to former president Yameen’s administration, Muizzu acknowledged the period’s major infrastructure projects but argued that the era was overshadowed by corruption allegations and political repression.

“All political figures were in prison. That is an undeniable fact. The track record is clear for everyone to see. These are not things that can be undone or buried. It is the visible truth. Who can they deceive by denying it? They cannot even deceive themselves,” the President said.

Notably, President Muizzu served as Housing Minister during Yameen’s administration and later rose to power with Yameen’s backing. He secured the PNC presidential ticket after the Supreme Court ruled Yameen ineligible to contest the election due to his prison sentence. During his campaign, he had repeatedly pledged loyalty to the former president.

The President also criticized the administrations of Nasheed and Solih, alleging failures in governance and referencing major controversies, including the ventilator corruption scandal.

As such, President Muizzu called on the public to carefully and calmly evaluate these issues before drawing conclusions.

Tonight’s anticipated meeting between Yameen, Nasheed, and Solih represents a notable political development, marking the first time Yameen—one of the most outspoken critics of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)—will formally engage in discussions with the party’s two former leaders.