As the rift between Afghanistan's two leaders continues to deepen, CEO Abdullah Abdullah on Sunday met with Jihadi leaders, MPs, and cultural and political figures in Kabul.

At the meeting at the CEO's compound in the capital, Abdullah addressed the crowd and thanked them for their support.

He said the "formation of the NUG was the result of sacrifices which you made two years ago, sacrifices which were very heavy and difficult. If these sacrifices had not happened, today Afghanistan would have been in a different situation."

Abdullah also apologized to the people of Afghanistan and said that "in the past two years, as was necessary, we were not able to fulfill your aspirations and your demands. But what we did two years ago, was a way to save the country from crisis."

But Abdullah said that they had believed in his electoral team which was a big gain for his team and that with their support a new chapter had opened. "But unfortunately your demands and aspirations were not fulfilled in the past two years."

He said he believes that in this time, historical steps have been made and that "we have had to exert tolerance". He then went on to assure the people that after this "your efforts will not be wasted."

Abdullah also told the participants that "today the people of Afghanistan are waiting to see what will happen to the future of the country".

He said that "despite the issues in the past two years, you are again here which shows your commitment in fulfilling the aspirations of jihad, resistance, martyrs and people of Afghanistan."

"Today I see some faces (of people) who I could not meet two years ago." He went on to say that he is always happy to be with those who are true to their beliefs and not just superficial representatives.

Referring to remarks he made on Thursday about Ghani not addressing the demands of the people, Abdullah said: "What I said on Thursday was not (driven by) emotions, anger or personal desire and not exaggerated - it was the facts and the people should know where the problem lies."

"While I knew I could tolerate the pain alone, without sharing it with the people, I did it - but it has reached the stage where it is necessary to share it with the people," he said.

He emphasized that in the past he was committed to fulfilling the people's demands and aspirations but said that today, it has reached the stage where "we need to change our methods and techniques because the people are no longer able to tolerate the situation."

He said the need was simply to implement the political agreement of the NUG.

"Our demand is the implementation of the political agreement (signed) at the formation of the NUG. We don't need anything more or less than this."

He said "these demands are not in addition" to the agreement.

He warned that the implementation of the political agreement is about "survival and stability of the country."

He told those gathered that "despite all the blame given over the past two years, you will surely give me credit for my tolerance. There are some critics who ask why have I not raised my voice in two years, but give me credit for my patience in the past two years."

He believes that during this time "no one knows the magnitude of his tolerance."

Abdullah went on to say that at recent meetings with political figures he emphasized that there should be no lapse in the implementation of the political agreement.

He noted that the implementation of the political agreement is not his "private demand and own individual (request) but it is the people's demand," and that "today we will renew the covenant and commitment."

Abdullah told the participants that "during the (possible) meeting with President (Ashraf Ghani) I will share all the demands of the people clearly but if the way continues with challenges and problems, I will not make any individual decisions and I will gather the figures and people's representatives and we will make decisions.

"We are aware of the ongoing corruption which families and relatives of government are involved in. We have established our commitments years ago over human rights and women's rights," he said.

He believes that despite challenges and problems ahead, the country will eventually reach its goal.

The tension between Abdullah and Ghani recently gained momentum after Abdullah criticized Ghani during a speech last week.

The CEO believes that most of his demands and recommendations are either rejected or ignored by the Presidential Palace. His office has also stated that his executive authorities have been limited.

The CEO's deputy spokesman Jawed Faisal said: "Government has been faced with a number of problems. It lacks the required coordination. It has not been based on the directions of the NUG's political agreement."

Ghani on Friday hit back at Abdullah over his remarks, and said he does not believe in those who do not believe in him.

During a speech at the launch of the Youth Parliament on Sunday Ghani stressed the need for national unity and said the days of making unilateral decisions had gone in Afghanistan.

This was immediately followed by Abdullah's lengthy speech made to a large crowd of supporters who had gathered outside the CEO's office on Sunday afternoon.

Among those present at Abdullah's gathering were acting Balkh governor Atta Mohammad Noor; former NDS chief Amrullah Saleh; Mohammad Khan and Mohammad Mohaqiq, Abdullah's first and second deputies respectively; Bismillah Khan Mohammadi, former minister of defense; current and former MPs; Adib Fahim, first deputy of the national security directorate; among others.

Click here for full speech: