08.05.2026 13:10
Mayor of Afyonkarahisar Burcu Köksal decided to resign from the CHP and join the AK Party. Köksal stated that they had a meeting with President Erdoğan lasting more than half an hour, saying, 'Mr. President mentioned some survey studies to me and the survey showed that personal compatibility is very high.' Köksal also said, 'I am tired of struggling with the CHP. I wanted to serve, my effort is to serve my homeland, but the CHP exhausted me.'
Afyonkarahisar Mayor Burcu Köksal and Keçiören Mayor Mesut Özaslan's alleged switch to the AK Party suddenly stirred up the corridors. While it was claimed that both figures would join the AK Party by pinning their badges on Tuesday, May 12, Afyonkarahisar Mayor Köksal broke her silence following the developments.
BURCU KÖKSAL CONFIRMED THE ALLEGATIONS
Stating that there was no pressure, threat, or investigation in her decision-making, Köksal confirmed the allegations.
"I AM JOINING THE AK PARTY ON TUESDAY"
Speaking to journalist Barış Yarkadaş, Köksal said, "Yes, I have made a decision. I am joining the AK Party at the expanded provincial leaders' meeting on Tuesday. I am tired of struggling with the CHP. I wanted to serve, my effort is to serve my hometown, but the CHP exhausted me."
"I SPOKE WITH ERDOĞAN FOR HALF AN HOUR"
Köksal also mentioned that she met with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Köksal stated, "I spoke with Mr. President for over half an hour. Mr. President mentioned some survey studies to me and showed that personal compatibility was very high in the polls."
"THE PARTY STANDS BEHIND YOU"
It was also alleged that Erdoğan told Köksal, "As a party, we are behind you. Don't let criticisms affect you. Continue your services. We, as a party, will provide every kind of support and stand by you."
ALLEGATION THAT "MESUT ÖZASLAN WILL ALSO SWITCH"
Meanwhile, it was claimed that Mesut Özaslan, who had previously resigned from the CHP, and some other names would also join the AK Party.