The opposition coalition on Friday night initiated a national campaign dubbed "Maldivians in Defense of Independence". President of People's National Congress (PNC) and incumbent President of the coalition Abdul Raheem Abdulla stated that the campaign to save the nation from its current state was initiated under the instruction of former President and Coalition Leader Yameen Abdul Gayoom.
During the initiation ceremony at the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) office, Abdul Raheem Abdulla (Adhurey) stated that Maldivians currently not affiliated with PPM or PNC are also welcome to join the campaign. Adhurey, with President Yameen's blessing, also invited all Maldivian political leaders to join the movement.
He extended individual invitations to Maldives Reform Movement (MRM) Leader former President Yameen Abdul Gayoom, Adhaalath Party Leader Sheikh Imran Abdulla, former Home Minister Umar Naseer, Colonel (Rtd) Mohamed Nazim, and Jumhooree Party Leader Gasim Ibrahim.
Noting that those mentioned formed their own movements and parties in pursuit of leadership, the coalition leader stated that if the nation is not independent, there will be no nation to rule. Therefore, the pursuit of presidency can resume once the nation's independence is secured by joining the campaign, said Adhurey.