CHP in Crisis: Özgür Özel Rejects Court Ruling and Rumors of Kılıçdaroğlu’s Return

The Republican People’s Party (CHP) is facing one of the most critical internal struggles in its history. Party chairman Özgür Özel visited journalist Fatih Altaylı at Silivri’s Marmara Prison, where Altaylı is being held on charges of “threatening the president.” During this meeting, Özel directly addressed both the controversial legal ruling that shook the party and the widespread rumors that former chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu could return to leadership through a court decision.

Referring to the claims, Özel stated:
“A person close to Kılıçdaroğlu said Mr. Kemal would accept the position. So, he might. This is a planned process.”

But he also made his stance clear, saying the current administration would never recognize such a move:
“All 81 of our provincial chairs will not recognize it. The CHP’s DNA does not allow this.”

A Court Ruling Called “Null and Void”

The storm centers on a ruling by Istanbul’s 45th Civil Court of First Instance, which some view as an intervention in CHP’s internal affairs. Speaking on Altaylı’s YouTube channel, Özel condemned the decision in sharp terms:
“The ruling is unlawful and actually null and void, but still it exists. This decision is not just against us; it is also a blow to the Supreme Election Council. Because the only judicial authority on this matter is the Supreme Election Council, and here we see a usurpation of authority.”

He explained that the party had appealed to both the Sarıyer Election Board and to the Supreme Election Council (YSK) in Ankara. Expressing confidence, Özel added:
“The YSK will not accept this illegality. We will make our objection with that ruling. One way or another, this unlawfulness will be overturned at the appeals court within a month.”

Rift with Trustee Gürsel Tekin

The crisis intensified when Gürsel Tekin was appointed as trustee for CHP’s Istanbul branch. Asked about Tekin’s suggestion to manage the process together, Özel gave a blunt response:
“If Mr. Gürsel had such an intention, of course it would be possible, but he doesn’t. He says so himself. Perhaps you didn’t hear it. He talks about walking through markets and reviving the party. If he behaved like a CHP member, we would sit and talk. But Mr. Gürsel is acting as if he has taken on some other duty. His intention is not to hold elections at all.”

This highlighted deep mistrust within the party and reinforced Özel’s claim that the trustee appointment is politically charged.

Political Pressure and Judicial Manipulation

Özel suggested that the court’s move was not accidental but directly tied to influencing the party congress in Ankara:
“It is obvious that this decision was taken to affect that other decision. It should not affect it, but I cannot say that it will not.”

Despite the risks, he insisted the ruling would not stand:
“All legal experts, even AK Party members, see this illegality. They tried ten times, nine were overturned in court. This will also be reversed by the higher court. But will they threaten the judges at the appeals court as well? They might. Still, I am sure such illegality will be overturned. I want to be sure.”

Speculation Over Kılıçdaroğlu’s Comeback

Rumors about former chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu making a comeback have spread rapidly. Özel acknowledged reports that suggest Kılıçdaroğlu may be willing to return for a transitional period:
“The information we receive is not the same as what you have. A person close to Kılıçdaroğlu told T24 that Mr. Kemal would accept the position and lead the party for a year and a half. So, he might. This is a planned process.”

Still, he emphasized that any leadership change imposed through courts would never be recognized by the party’s grassroots.

Standing Firm Against Pressure

Özel also reflected on the risks he faces personally, including possible arrest, but insisted he would not back down:
“I know they are capable of doing any kind of harm. They are still sending me the message: ‘Stay in Ankara, stop the rallies, and we will stop these attacks.’ They say, ‘Abandon Ekrem İmamoğlu, stop the rallies, and just do opposition quietly.’ If I accepted this, there would be no problem. That is what they want. They are still trying to drag us back to Ankara. If we withdrew, they would stop. But I cannot do it. We held 50 rallies, 50 protests. The people trusted us. They filled the squares. The youth believed in us. They come risking everything. I cannot disappoint them. This nation cannot endure another disappointment. Rather than destroy their dreams, we will pay any price. I still believe there are judges in this country.”

No to Division

Finally, Özel firmly dismissed speculation that he and his allies might form a new party if forced out of leadership:
“This is out of the question. This is the CHP; it is not just any party. We cannot divide it, it cannot be divided. The division of CHP would mean the division of Turkey. We will not divide, we will not be divided. We will fight to the end.”

Conclusion: CHP at a Crossroads

The power struggle within CHP reflects broader tensions in Turkish politics, where legal rulings, political maneuvering, and party identity collide. Özgür Özel’s uncompromising position shows a determination to resist judicial interference and defend the party’s integrity.

Whether or not Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu makes a return, the party is clearly at a crossroads. The outcome of this struggle will shape not only the CHP’s future but also the broader direction of Turkey’s opposition.