Speaker of the Parliament, former President Mohamed Nasheed has stated he can no longer stand in political alignment with President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
Nasheed made this statement via text messages sent to a Whatsapp group of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). In his texts, Nasheed noted that the pair had no personal differences – citing that they will always stand together when it comes to personal matters.
“He is “Ibu Dhombe” to my children,” he added. 
Nasheed also requested fellow party members to avoid any acts that may adversely affect the President – and also to set aside personal grudges.
At the time Nasheed has made this statement, rumors have already been brewing that MDP is becoming two factions. While some members of the party have explicitly shown their support to the President, some others have expressed their support for Nasheed.
No statement has been made by the President or his office regarding the messages sent by Nasheed today.
“If necessary, I will turn to former President Abdulla Yameen for help”
In today’s texts, Nasheed also notably stated that he will consider collaborating with former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Qayyoom and his party, Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), should they be open to moderate religious views – adding that he cares little for any negative sentiments MDP members may express on this.
“It does not matter to me if some MDP members are unhappy with this – but if former President Yameen and PPM supports moderate religious views, I will ask for their help," he said.
Nasheed also added that he suspects religious extremism within MDP.