Mariya Criticises Adam Azim Amid Intensifying MDP Mayoral Primary

Former Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) chairperson and former Defence Minister Mariya Ahmed Didi has issued strong criticism of Malé Mayor Adam Azim, as competition intensifies ahead of the party’s mayoral primary.

Internal rivalry within the MDP has escalated in recent weeks, with supporters of both leading candidates trading heated remarks. Adam Azim, who currently serves as the Mayor of Malé, is seeking a second term and has been actively campaigning for the upcoming primary. However, comments he made during a recent campaign event have prompted significant backlash from within the party.

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Adam Azim had told supporters that he played a decisive role in revitalising the MDP after its defeat in the last presidential election. His remarks, which were met with applause at the rally, suggested that he had stepped forward at a difficult time and helped restore the party’s momentum.

Mariya expressed strong disapproval of the statement, saying she had not aligned with either candidate in the primary and believed that the remarks undermined the contributions of MDP supporters. She said Adam Azim should apologise to what she described as the party’s “golden yellow” army.

Alhugandakee #MDP ge Mayor Primary gai vaki faraathakah nujehi huri meehekeemeve.

Namaves, @MDPSecretariat aai medhu #MDP akee 2023 ge inthihaabun balivumaa gulhigen, hun ais rajaa laigen thibi findi baeh kamaai, e haalath gai #MDP kolhah jessevee Mayor @adamazim kamah… https://t.co/wbMJ9L9e1R— Mariya Didi 🇲🇻 (@MariyaDidi) December 8, 2025

She argued that the MDP’s grassroots members had consistently shown courage, including during the fall of the party’s first administration in 2012 and in the politically challenging period that followed the 2013 election. She stressed that the strength of the MDP lay in its supporters rather than in any single individual.

Mariya added that divisions within the party remain unresolved, following internal disputes during the last administration. The resignation of former chairperson Fayyaz Ismail further widened rifts, particularly over disagreements relating to the selection of an interim chairperson. The party is expected to choose a new interim chairperson later tonight.

The mayoral primary has become a key focal point for competing factions within the MDP. Adam Azim is backed by former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and his allies, while MP Ali Azim, his main challenger, has received support from former President Mohamed Nasheed and his faction.