CHP Targets Erdoğan Stronghold Konya for Next “Will of the Nation” Protest Amid Imamoğlu Arrest

The Republican People’s Party (CHP) is intensifying its pressure campaign against the government over the arrest of Ekrem Imamoğlu, selecting Konya, a traditional AKP stronghold, as the next location for its high-profile “Will of the Nation” protest.

The decision was finalized during a four-hour Central Executive Committee (MYK) meeting chaired by CHP leader Özgür Özel. Party officials said the goal is to replicate the surprising turnout from the Yozgat rally, which drew national attention despite the city’s strong pro-government leanings.

“We want to create the same Yozgat effect in Konya,” CHP strategists said.

The Konya rally is scheduled for Saturday, May 3, and preparations are already underway to ensure mass participation and national media coverage.

A Growing Protest Movement

The Konya event is part of a larger nationwide campaign titled “Will of the Nation Defends Democracy,” which aims to rally public support for Imamoğlu’s release and push for early elections.

The protest schedule continues this week with a 23 April National Sovereignty and Children’s Day event in Ankara, where Özel will address supporters outside the First Grand National Assembly and lead a symbolic march to Anıtkabir.

On April 26, the party will organize another weekend rally in Mersin, continuing its city-by-city strategy.

One-Third of Signature Goal Already Surpassed

In tandem with rallies, the CHP has launched a nationwide petition campaign calling for snap elections. Officials say they have already collected more than one-third of their 28 million signature goal.

“There’s no fixed deadline. Once we hit 28 million, an independent auditing body will verify the signatures,” CHP figures stated.

Early Election Inevitable If Economy Worsens

CHP leaders insist that the current economic crisis could make an early election inevitable, especially by late summer.

“If inflation and hardship continue – and sadly, it looks like they will – the public will demand a new election. In all democratic societies, that’s the norm,” party insiders argued.

Ongoing Investigation and Kayyum Speculation

CHP officials also addressed the ongoing legal probe into the party’s 38th Congress, dismissing it as politically motivated:

“There was bad faith from the beginning. But the extraordinary congress resolved it. That matter is closed.”

As for claims that a trustee (kayyum) might be appointed to oversee CHP:

“Yes, it was considered. But they realized it couldn’t be done. The congress was a preemptive move. Now, there’s nothing left to say.”