Following former President and Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Leader Mohamed Nasheed's candidacy withdrawal, former Parliament Speaker MP Abdulla Shahid announces his support for MDP Parliamentary Group (PG) leader Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (Ibu).
Soon after news of Nasheed's withdrawal, MP Shahid tweeted stating that, in the interest of maintaining unity within the party, he has decided to trust Ibu with MDP's candidacy.
Raees Nasheed ah libivadaigenfaivaa MDP ge Riyaasee Ticket dhookohlevvumah ninmavaafaivaathee
— Abdulla Shahid 🎈 (@abdulla_shahid) June 29, 2018
Party ge ebbaivanthakan hifehettumuge maqsadhgai MDP ge Riyaasee Candidate akah @ibusolih ah thaaeedh kurumah alhugandu nimmaifin. https://t.co/AAEpiobiuD
It is highly speculated that Ibu will be offered MDP's candidacy ticket following discussions within the party's congress.
A formal statement will be made regarding the issue after the congress.
Nasheed confirmed his decision via a WhatsApp group shared between the joint opposition parliamentary group. He has been recieving praise from his supporters who dub his actions as yet another heroic step-down in the name of his country.