Shahid preparing to contest MDP presidential primary

Opposition MDP President Abdulla Shahid is preparing to contest the party’s presidential primary for the 2028 election, Sun has learned through reliable sources.

Shahid has not made an official announcement, and the MDP has not issued any formal confirmation yet.

Shahid previously addressed the question of a 2028 bid during an interview on Raajje TV about a year and a half ago, saying it was too early to decide and that his priority was holding the government accountable. At the time, he said shifting focus prematurely to the 2028 election would distract from what he described as the “damage” being done to the Maldives by the current administration.

“I believe that my whole focus as the president of the party is to hold this government accountable,” Shahid said then.

Former MDP Chairman Fayyaz Ismail has already announced his intention to contest the MDP presidential primary. Former Vice President Faisal Naseem has also expressed interest, though he has not stated whether he will run.

On the other opposition side, PNF leader and former President Abdulla Yameen has publicly declared that he will contest the 2028 presidential election.

From the ruling PNC, the party has repeatedly stated that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu will seek the presidential ticket. However, the President himself has not made an official statement on the matter.