05.01.2026 20:21
Abdulvahap Göçer, the CHP mayor of Yazıhan in Malatya, commented on his party's request for his expulsion, stating, "I did not commit a disciplinary offense. We are not being tried under the Turkish Penal Code for offenses such as 'fraud, bribery, embezzlement.' Those who are being tried for this should be held accountable and referred to disciplinary action."
Abdulvahap Göçer, the Mayor of Yazıhan, who was referred to disciplinary action by the CHP with a request for his expulsion, made striking evaluations regarding the issue at a press conference he held at the municipality.
"CHP IS ENGAGING IN ANTI-DEMOCRATIC ACTIONS"
Göçer, expressing that he has no intention of resigning from his party or switching to another party, stated that they have come to this situation due to actions that are contrary to the CHP's charter and democracy.
"THE REPUBLICAN PEOPLE'S PARTY IS ABOUT TO LOSE ITS INSTITUTIONAL IDENTITY"
Göçer emphasized that no one should expect them to remain silent about the mistakes within their party, and he stated: "No one should expect a mayor in Yazıhan to comply with orders. The people elected us. The current Provincial Chairman of the Republican People's Party is not legitimate. Because all the district chairmen and district delegates were written down while sitting at a table. A person who chooses those who will elect him should not expect respect from us. I want to clearly convey this to the headquarters. There is no longer a mechanism to convey the problems within the party to the center. Unfortunately, there are deputies acting above the parties. The Republican People's Party is about to lose its institutional identity. We must take ownership of this.
"FIRST, THOSE ACCUSED OF BRIBERY SHOULD ACCOUNT FOR THEIR ACTIONS"
I did not commit a disciplinary offense. I expressed the mistakes and shortcomings of the party at the congress. In an environment where we were left alone, I voiced the shortcomings that all citizens mentioned. If they are referring us to discipline for this, it is an honor and a pride for us. We are not being tried under the articles of the Turkish Penal Code such as 'fraud, bribery, extortion.' Those who are being tried for this should account for their actions and be referred to discipline. We are voicing the mistakes of a single leader and a deputy acting above the parties.
Six CHP council members and 36 muhtars of Yazıhan also expressed that they stand by Göçer.