03.09.2026 12:12
New Party Chairman Ozgur Ozel described the absolute nullity process in CHP and the offers made to him in the period leading up to the founding of the New Party. Ozel said he was told, "Forget Ekrem, don't support Ekrem" and "Sit quietly at the head of the party." He then claimed that a formula was also offered to him: "Stay as group chairman. You travel around Turkey, we will remain as party chairman, and let's go to the election this way." Ozel stated that he rejected all these offers.
Ozgur Ozel made striking statements about the period from the absolute nullity process in CHP to the establishment of the new party. Stating that different formulas were offered to him, Ozel said he did not accept them.
"THEY SAID, SIT COMFORTABLY AT THE HEAD OF THE PARTY"
Describing one of the first offers made to him, Ozel claimed that he was asked to withdraw from his political struggle. Ozel stated that they said, "Get off the top of the bus, return in Ankara. Sit comfortably at the head of the party. Stay at the head of the party." Then, Ozel recounted facing the words, "Forget Ekrem, do not stand by Ekrem. Do not stand by the injustices done to your friends. Do not hold rallies city by city. Do not disturb this government."
HE DESCRIBED THE PHONE CALL AFTER THE ABSOLUTE NULLITY
Ozel also described what happened after the absolute nullity decision, saying, "What offers, what offers..." and noted that he made holding a convention a condition during that period. Ozel claimed he said, "I will not meet or talk until the convention date is announced," and that during a phone call he stated, "Sir, if you give me a decision for a convention within 40 days and will hand the party over to an elected person, I will talk to you."
PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDACY ALSO CAME TO THE AGENDA
Ozel, reporting that during the meetings Bulent Kusoglu said, "Well, Mr. Ozgur could be a presidential candidate, why not?" stated that he was not interested in such an offer. Ozel said, "I didn't even hear about it. Because I have no such intention or ambition."
OFFER TO "STAY AS GROUP CHAIRMAN"
Ozel explained that a different formula was later offered to him. Saying that this offer was, "Stay as group chairman. You travel around Turkey, let us remain as the chairman, and let's go to the election this way," Ozel stated that he also opposed this.