09.05.2026 09:30
Former CHP Chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu called Burcu Köksal, who decided to resign from the CHP and join the AK Party. It was stated that Kılıçdaroğlu told Köksal, "I understand your resignation, but it would have been more appropriate if you remained independent."
It was claimed that Afyonkarahisar Mayor Burcu Köksal, who is said to be joining the AK Party, had a phone conversation with former CHP leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu. It was alleged that Kılıçdaroğlu told Köksal, "It would have been more appropriate for you to remain independent instead of switching to the AK Party."
ALLEGATION OF PHONE CALL WITH KILIÇDAROĞLU
Journalist Fatih Atik stated during a live broadcast that a phone call took place between Burcu Köksal and Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu. Atik reported that Kılıçdaroğlu expressed his regret over Köksal's resignation process from the CHP in his statement to him.
According to the allegation, Burcu Köksal said during the call that she no longer had the opportunity to engage in politics with the current CHP administration.
"I WISH YOU HAD REMAINED INDEPENDENT"
According to Fatih Atik's account, Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu said he understood Köksal's decision to resign but noted that it would have been more appropriate for her to continue as an independent mayor rather than joining the AK Party.
In his statement, Atik said, "Mr. Kemal said, 'I understand your resignation, but I wish you had remained independent; it would have been more suitable.'"
ÖZLEM ÇERÇİOĞLU DETAIL
Atik also claimed that Kılıçdaroğlu had a similar approach towards Özlem Çerçioğlu in the past. It was stated that Çerçioğlu was also advised to remain independent but later joined the AK Party.
Burcu Köksal is expected to join the AK Party on Tuesday.
"I SPOKE WITH THE PRESIDENT FOR MORE THAN HALF AN HOUR"
Meanwhile, journalist Barış Yarkadaş also made striking statements during a TV100 broadcast. Yarkadaş reported that Burcu Köksal said she met with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, adding, "I spoke with the President for more than half an hour. I made a decision."
ÖZGÜR ÖZEL COULD NOT REACH HER
In addition, following the allegations that she would switch to the AK Party, it was reported behind the scenes that CHP leader Özgür Özel could not reach Burcu Köksal.