08.05.2026 23:13
CHP Chairman Özgür Özel broke his silence regarding Burcu Köksal, who is confirmed to be switching to the AK Party. Speaking in a live broadcast, Özel made striking statements, expressing suspicion that Köksal was under blackmail or threats, and revealed that he told her, 'If necessary, divorce your husband, but don't do this to your party,' over allegations about her spouse. Stating that Köksal has turned off her phones and is not in contact with anyone, Özel argued that the process is an 'operation.'
CHP Chairman Özgür Özel broke his silence about Afyonkarahisar Mayor Burcu Köksal, who made headlines in Turkey by deciding to switch to the AK Party. During a live broadcast, Özel shared striking details about the process, shaking the political world by revealing he told Köksal, "Divorce your husband if necessary, but don't do this to your party."
"PHONE IS OFF, NOT ANSWERING ANYONE"
Stating that he tried to reach Burcu Köksal but failed, Özgür Özel said, "I called Burcu Köksal, I couldn't reach her. Her phone was off. Great pressure is being applied to all components of the CHP, but we have no right to get tired or become bad." Reminding that Köksal had the highest-level opportunities within the party, Özel added, "We conducted a survey when selecting candidates. We aimed for a correct and recognized name. The party provided every opportunity, making her deputy group chair."
"WHATEVER THEY SHOWED, WHATEVER THEY THREATENED WITH..."
Özel stated that Köksal had recently given messages of loyalty to the party and expressed serious suspicion about the change that occurred:
"Not long ago, she went to Yenimahalle Mayor Fethi Yaşar and said, 'Everything is great, our relations with the headquarters are good.' Then she had a meeting, and everything changed. Whatever they showed, whatever they threatened with... This has turned into strong suspicion. She had previously promised me, 'I have no intention of switching anywhere.'"
"IF NECESSARY, DIVORCE YOUR HUSBAND, BUT DON'T DO THIS TO YOUR PARTY"
Özel stated that he personally intervened regarding the allegations about Köksal's husband and shared details of their phone conversation:
"The AK Party media was mentioning some business dealings of her husband. I called her and said, 'We stand behind you. If your husband did something wrong, divorce your husband if necessary, but don't do this to your party. Don't be complicit in wrongdoing; your party stands behind you like a wall.' However, at this point, Ms. Burcu doesn't seem likely to come out tomorrow and make a reasonable explanation."
"THEY ALSO SET TRAPS FOR OTHER MAYORS"
Claiming that the process is not limited to Köksal and that a systematic transfer operation is being conducted, Özel alleged, "The other day, the wife of one of our mayors recounted; someone came and offered, 'We convinced Burcu, you come too.' Such dirty bargains are going on," suggesting that the AK Party is also targeting other CHP mayors.