Özgür Özel: “If İmamoğlu Can’t Run, I Won’t Be the Candidate Either”

In a major political statement on Sözcü TV, Republican People’s Party (CHP) Chair Özgür Özel declared that he would not run for president if Ekrem İmamoğlu is unable to become a candidate. “In that case, the candidate is not me,” he stated, reaffirming his commitment to nominating the most electable figure for the 2028 presidential race.

“Not Me” – Özel Makes His Position Clear on 2028 Presidency

Speaking on Para Politika, Özgür Özel addressed election strategy, party unity, and media manipulation, stating that the CHP would support whoever has the best chance to win. When asked directly about the possibility of İmamoğlu being barred from candidacy, Özel replied:

“In that case, the candidate is not me.”

He emphasized that CHP is preparing for elections with trained polling staff and announced November 2 as a symbolic campaign date—marking 2.5 years of the AKP’s term.

On Sine-i Millet & Constitutional Clarity

Addressing debates on “sine-i millet” (resignation to force elections), Özel criticized commentators who misunderstand constitutional processes:

“What comes after resignation is not a general election but a by-election. Those who ask why we don’t ‘return to the nation’ simply don’t understand the law.”

Harsh Words for Media and Critics

Özel also criticized media outlets and public figures who align with the government while claiming to represent Atatürkist values:

“We’ve seen TV channels where they forbid negative captions about the government. Those who profit from pro-government media dare to lecture us on Atatürk.”

Regarding the alleged removal of Atatürk’s photo from a CHP venue, he clarified:

“That hall is a press room filled with Atatürk images. The podium simply featured İmamoğlu to show these were his campaign events.”

Congress in December & Warning Against Political Detentions

Özel confirmed that the party congress will be held in December and expressed concern over waves of political detentions:

“They’re trying to suppress us because they know we’re strong and determined. But we’re still pushing for early elections.”

He denounced recent arrests, saying:

“They jail people based on lies. They’ve even slandered Kemal Bey. Thieves exist in every party—we wouldn’t walk beside anyone we don’t trust.”

Accusations of Corruption: “84% of Tenders Went to AKP”

Referencing a report by Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş, Özel stated that Aziz İhsan Aktaş, allegedly involved in widespread tender manipulation, received 84% of contracts from AKP municipalities, and only 16% from CHP ones.

Özel accused the AKP model of fostering a subcontractor economy, while emphasizing that CHP prefers in-house public employment to boost job creation.

Presidential Campaign Office: İmamoğlu in Focus

Özel also disclosed that a presidential campaign office has been established, with staff from CHP, the parliamentary group, and Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality working together. He described the team as coordinating İmamoğlu’s candidacy preparations, even amid ongoing legal uncertainties.

His final remark left no ambiguity:

“If İmamoğlu can’t run, I’m not the candidate. We’ll choose someone who can win.”