05.06.2026 07:20
Claims by CHP Chairman Özgür Özel that Ekrem İmamoğlu was offered the party leadership while in prison and that he was asked to be excluded have sparked debate on the political agenda. The Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu camp, however, denied these claims, asserting that the allegation of İmamoğlu being offered the chairmanship does not reflect the truth.
Statements by CHP Chairman Özgür Özel that Ekrem İmamoğlu was offered the party chairmanship while in prison have become the focus of political debate. While a response came from Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu's camp to Özel's remarks, it was argued that the claim did not reflect the truth.
As tensions continue in the CHP due to congress disputes and the absolute nullity lawsuit, remarkable statements made by Chairman Özgür Özel have ignited a new controversy.
Speaking to journalists at the Turkish Grand National Assembly, Özel stated that Ekrem İmamoğlu's expulsion from the party was not on the agenda, while alleging that certain attempts were made toward İmamoğlu during his imprisonment. In his statements, Özel's remarks regarding the conversations he claimed took place between Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and Ekrem İmamoğlu drew particular attention.
ALLEGATION OF "LET'S EXCLUDE MR. ÖZGÜR"
Özgür Özel claimed that after Ekrem İmamoğlu's arrest, Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu was among the first visitors, and during meetings held in prison, proposals were made to exclude him. Özel said, "They visited Mr. Ekrem in prison. They repeatedly told Mr. Ekrem, 'Let's be together. Let's exclude Mr. Özgür. Let's unite. Let's bring down Mr. Özgür.'" These words resonated widely in CHP circles and reignited debates about the power struggle within the party.
CLAIM OF "CHAIRMANSHIP OFFER"
Özel's most striking allegation was his statement that Ekrem İmamoğlu was offered the party chairmanship during his time in prison. The CHP leader claimed, "They offered Mr. Ekrem the chairmanship while he was in prison. They set up a ballot box for Mr. Ekrem and voted for him," suggesting that certain circles within the party were seeking different alternatives.
These statements by Özel have brought new questions regarding the recent congress debates and internal party balances in the CHP.
DENIAL FROM KILIÇDAROĞLU'S CAMP
After Özel's remarks, attention turned to Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu's camp. According to a news report by Türkiye Newspaper, Kılıçdaroğlu's aides stated that the claims did not reflect the truth. Close associates of Kılıçdaroğlu denied the allegation that Ekrem İmamoğlu was offered the chairmanship, stating that no such initiative had taken place. Thus, a new difference of opinion between two important figures of the CHP has become a topic of public debate.
TENSIONS CONTINUE IN THE CHP
In the CHP, which is going through a difficult period due to the absolute nullity lawsuit and congress debates, differences of opinion between Özgür Özel and Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu frequently come to the fore recently. While it is stated that efforts for reconciliation continue within the party, mutual statements indicate that tensions have not completely subsided. Özel's latest statements have also led to new assessments in party circles.
ÖZEL EMBARKS ON ANATOLIA TOUR
Meanwhile, it was learned that CHP Chairman Özgür Özel is continuing his political activities. It was stated that Özel will embark on an Anatolia tour within the scope of the mayoral and mukhtar elections to be held in Gümüşhane, Tokat, and Nevşehir on June 7. It was reported that Özel, who will meet with party organizations in Trabzon, will later visit the towns of Tekke in Gümüşhane, Tokat, Amasya, Çorum, and Mustafapaşa in Ürgüp district of Nevşehir.