01.07.2026 10:50
While the 'absolute nullity' crisis and the reverberations of the management change in CHP continue, it has been claimed that Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Cemil Tugay, who recently resigned from CHP, has been working intensively to switch to AK Party.
The turbulent process that began with Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu's return to the helm of the Republican People's Party (CHP) following the 'absolute nullity' decision continues to shake the balance in local governments. While it is claimed that some mayors, disturbed by the dual leadership, chaos, and legal processes within the party, are seeking different options, this time the focus has turned to Izmir.
Following the resignation of Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Cemil Tugay from the CHP in recent days, backstage information suggests that he will continue his political career in the Justice and Development Party (AK Party).
'HE IS MAKING AN INTENSE EFFORT TO MOVE TO THE AK PARTY'
Journalist Mustafa Yavuz, making assessments on a program broadcast on TGRT, claimed that Cemil Tugay is conducting a meeting traffic with the ruling party officials in Izmir to join the AK Party. Yavuz stated that Tugay will not take part in the potential new party formation highlighted by Özgür Özel, expressing his claims with these striking words:
'Cemil Tugay is currently in very intense lobbying and contact to move to the Justice and Development Party. Yes, I am giving clear information. Cemil Tugay is currently in an intense effort or meeting traffic with the AK Party's officials in Izmir to move to the Justice and Development Party.'
TIES BETWEEN ÖZEL AND TUGAY HAVE BEEN SEVERED
Mustafa Yavuz also emphasized that the relationship between Özgür Özel and Cemil Tugay has reached an irreparable point. Stating that he has spoken with close circles of both sides, Yavuz summarized the gravity of the situation as follows:
'The relationship between Özgür Özel and Cemil Tugay has already been strained for some time. Both sides are almost at the point of exchanging harsh words with each other. In other words, the ties have already been severed. As Özgür Özel stated, when a new party is formed, Cemil Tugay will be with us; there is definitely no such situation on Cemil Tugay's side.'
HE DID NOT ATTEND ÖZGÜR ÖZEL'S IZMIR PROGRAM
Another development strengthening these claims about Cemil Tugay occurred during Özgür Özel's visit to Izmir. Cemil Tugay, who has been rumored to be moving to the AK Party, did not accompany Özel's programs in Izmir and did not go near him.
During the visit, when journalists asked about Cemil Tugay's absence, Özgür Özel replied, 'I wasn't expecting him to come here anyway.'