01.06.2026 07:10
Ilhan Kesici, who is rumored to be considered as a candidate by Kemal Kilicdaroglu, who returned to the CHP chairmanship with a nullity decision, broke his silence for the possible presidential elections. Emphasizing that the CHP should not be divided, Kesici stated that the greatest responsibility for protecting party unity lies with Kilicdaroglu. Citing the division that occurred in the Justice Party in the past, Kesici called for compromise and unity for both Kilicdaroglu and Ozgur Ozel.
İlhan Kesici, who is rumored to be considered by Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu as a candidate for potential presidential elections after returning to the chairmanship with an absolute nullity decision in CHP, broke his silence regarding the latest developments in the party. Kesici, whose name is frequently mentioned in political circles for presidential candidacy, stated that the focus should be on preserving CHP's unity and solidarity rather than internal disputes.
Following the cancellation of CHP's 38th Ordinary Congress held on November 4-5, 2023, by a court decision, Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu's reinstatement as chairman further fueled internal debates. Kılıçdaroğlu, making statements to journalists due to the holiday, signaled that he does not favor an early congress by pointing to the Supreme Court process, stirring political circles.
During this process, sources close to both CHP and AK Party claimed that Kılıçdaroğlu is considering nominating İlhan Kesici in potential presidential elections. Kesici, the central figure in presidential candidacy claims, emphasized in a statement to Notbir that CHP should not be divided.
"THE GREATEST RESPONSIBILITY LIES WITH KILIÇDAROĞLU"
Kesici, stating that he has a long-standing friendship and legal relationship with Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, said that the responsibility to preserve the party's integrity primarily falls on Kılıçdaroğlu.
Kesici said, "I am a close associate of Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, and I have a very old legal bond with him. Our primary goal is to prevent CHP from splitting. If a party must inevitably split, efforts should be made until the last moment to prevent that split until the day and hour it happens. At this stage, the greatest responsibility lies with Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu. Since he is legally the chairman, the effort and endeavor to preserve the party's integrity must primarily come from him."
HE REMINDED OF THE DEMİREL EXAMPLE
Stating that divisions in political parties have long-lasting effects, Kesici cited the example of those who left the Justice Party in 1970 to form the Democratic Party.
Kesici noted that at that time, the Justice Party was ruling alone with around 50% of the vote, but the Democratic Party, founded under the leadership of figures like Sadettin Bilgiç, Ferruh Bozbeyli, and Mehmet Turgut, could only get 13% in the first election.
Kesici stated that although Süleyman Demirel eventually reunited the Democratic Party cadres under the Justice Party years later, the party could not regain its former strength, indicating that political divisions cause lasting damage.
HE SHARED DEMİREL'S REGRET
İlhan Kesici also shared with the public an assessment made by former President Süleyman Demirel in the later years of his political life.
Kesici recounted Demirel telling him, "The biggest mistake I made in my 40-year political career was not preventing the formation of the Democratic Party. I should have done everything to prevent this division. If I had made the necessary effort, I would have prevented it."
CALL FOR CONSENSUS TO ÖZEL AND KILIÇDAROĞLU
Evaluating the current process in CHP, Kesici called for consensus between both Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and Özgür Özel and his team. Kesici said, "The Republican People's Party must not divide under any circumstances. Chairman Mr. Kemal must exert every effort and leave no room or opportunity for division. Of course, this is a consensus process; in response to Mr. Kemal's constructive efforts, Özgür Özel and his friends should also act constructively in the same direction."
Noting that divisions are easy but staying united is difficult, Kesici added, "What is truly beneficial and useful for both the country and all parties is to succeed in being one and united. Every effort made in this direction is highly respectable."