Former President Abdulla Yameen said on Sunday evening that ruling PNC’s Male' mayoral candidate, Major General (Retired) Moosa Ali Jaleel, is being used as a “sacrificial lamb,” alleging that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu prefers opposition MDP candidate Adam Azim to win the mayoral race.
Speaking at a PNF rally, Yameen praised Jaleel’s service as Defence Minister during his administration, describing him as honourable, hardworking, and exemplary. He said he regretted that Jaleel accepted the PNC’s offer to run for mayor.
“Jaleel should now know what is happening. Jaleel is a slaughter lamb. Muizzu wants Adam Azim to be elected. For the same reason, all PNC council candidates have been told not to take photos or make posters with Moosa Jaleel,” Yameen claimed.
From the opening of the campaign office of Major General (Retired) Moosa Ali Jaleel, the ruling PNC’s candidate for Male' City Mayor, January 18, 2026.
Yameen also criticised President Muizzu’s remarks ahead of the April local council elections indicating that peope should vote for the ruling party candidates if they wished for progress, saying those words served as a warning to the public.  
“We are talking about an authoritarian character with no familiarity with democracy, no style of governance. Development should be provided to the people regardless of councils,” he said.
Yameen further accused Azim of “burying and covering up” issues from Muizzu’s tenure as Male' mayor between 2011 and his rise to national office. He said Azim should conduct an audit of the council’s work during that period.
Azim, however, has previously stated that he did not use influence to award contracts to associates while serving as mayor. He said council documents had been audited and any issues would be forwarded to relevant authorities.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu confers Grand Order of Military Honour (GOMH) upon Major General Retired Moosa Ali Jaleel on November 3, 2024. (Photo/President's Office)
Jaleel was confirmed as the PNC’s mayoral candidate last month after being the sole contender in the party’s primary. A national figure, he served in the defence of the nation during the November 3, 1988 coup attempt and later as Defence Minister under Yameen’s government.
Adam Azim secured the MDP ticket after defeating former MP Ali Azim in the party’s primary held last Friday.