Fayyaz and Nasheed called saying a decision would be made after committee discussions, next came news of the boycott: Ghafoor

MDP’s interim chairperson, Abdul Ghafoor Moosa, stated that former chairperson Fayyaz Ismail and former President Mohamed Nasheed boycotted the rally held to celebrate the party’s success in the local council elections and the referendum because they were told the committee would call them after discussing proposed changes to the agenda. Ghafoor noted that, at the time, he was unable to even keep his phone properly attended to.

In response to allegations that he deliberately blocked former President Nasheed and former Chairperson Fayyaz from speaking at the MDP’s celebratory rally on April 6, Ghafoor clarified that the speaking lineup was pre-arranged. He stated that the program was specifically set to feature the Party President, five Mayors, five WDC Presidents, and the chairs of various committees. No other speakers were scheduled to address the gathering. Ghafoor further explained that the program was finalized by 2:00 PM that day and handed over to MP Mohamed Ibrahim. He noted that it was only after this point that he received phone calls from both Fayyaz and President Nasheed later that evening.

Later that night, Fayyaz called and expressed his desire to speak with me. I asked him to give me some time to consider the matter and told him I would provide an answer once I had reached a decision. Immediately after that call, President Nasheed contacted me, insisting that he be given the opportunity to speak. I informed him that I do not make these decisions unilaterally; rather, they are finalized after consultation with the campaign committee, and I requested some time. However, before I could even hang up the phone, it was reported as breaking news that the meeting had been boycotted. That is exactly how it transpired. There is no evidence to suggest that I used undue influence or acted improperly in this matter. Furthermore, the opportunity remained to hold a meeting the following day where everyone could have spoken. The reality is that they have failed in the last three elections and four consecutive by-elections. At a time when the party was left stranded and in disarray, I was the one who stood up and rebuilt it. Everyone present here is well aware of that fact.

Interim Chairperson of the MDP, Abdul Ghafoor Moosa

Ghafoor stated that he is not seeking personal credit for the party's recent success. He emphasized that this achievement is the result of the collective hard work of party members and those active across all constituencies. He further noted that this reality must be acknowledged, asserting that making him a scapegoat will not resolve the situation. He warned that by targeting him today, it is the MDP itself that is being sacrificed.

Fayyaz did not respond to phone calls seeking comment on the matter.