Hikmet Çetin Drops Bombshell Claim: Kılıçdaroğlu “Pushing for Nullity Ruling” in CHP Congress Case

In remarks that shook the Turkish political agenda, former CHP chair Hikmet Çetin claimed that ex-party leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu is actively working to secure a “mutlak butlan” (absolute nullity) ruling in the ongoing CHP congress annulment case.

Speaking to journalist Cansu Çamlıbel from T24, Çetin suggested that Kılıçdaroğlu has not remained a passive observer but has engaged in direct contacts with top-level figures to influence the outcome.

“Our Former Chairman Is Working Hard on This”

Asked about the possibility of the court invalidating the 38th Ordinary Congress of 2023, Çetin said he expected such a ruling:

“I believe the court will declare our 2023 congress null and void. The appointment of a trustee to the Istanbul provincial organization was, in my view, already a signal of this. I think Ankara will deliver an ‘absolute nullity’ ruling—because our former chairman is working very hard on this.”

When Çamlıbel pressed further, asking if he was referring to Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, Çetin responded:

“Yes.”

“He Is in Contact with High-Level Figures”

According to Çetin, Kılıçdaroğlu has not only followed the legal process but has also been “in contact with top-level figures” to ensure the congress annulment.

When asked whether this meant President Erdoğan and his close circle, Çetin’s response was pointed:

“Yes. Notice his words at the time—‘Wherever I am, that is the party headquarters.’ He has been preparing accordingly.”

The implication was clear: Kılıçdaroğlu, despite being out of office since 2023, is laying the groundwork for a return to CHP leadership if the court rules in his favor.

Why This Matters: The “Absolute Nullity” Case

The CHP is currently embroiled in a legal battle over the validity of its 38th Ordinary Congress (Nov. 2023) and 21st Extraordinary Congress (Apr. 2025). Plaintiffs, including former Hatay Metropolitan Mayor Lütfü Savaş, allege vote-buying, bribery, and procedural violations that corrupted the delegate will.

If the court rules for “absolute nullity”, the current leadership under Özgür Özel could be removed, and Kılıçdaroğlu along with the Party Assembly elected in 2023 could be reinstated—potentially triggering a dual leadership crisis inside Turkey’s oldest political party.

Çetin’s Political Positioning

Çetin’s remarks came after a series of high-profile meetings, including with MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli and MHP deputy chair Feti Yıldız. While he did not disclose details, the timing of these meetings fueled speculation that Turkey’s opposition politics are being reshaped through backchannel negotiations.

His statements suggest that Kılıçdaroğlu is far from retreating from politics—and instead may be orchestrating a comeback with support from outside actors.

The Bigger Picture: Imamoğlu, Demirtaş, and Opposition Dynamics

In the same interview, Çetin also commented on broader political issues, including the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and Kurdish politician Selahattin Demirtaş. While details of those remarks were less explosive, they highlighted the volatile landscape in which the CHP congress trial is unfolding.

A Potential Political Earthquake

If Çetin’s claims are accurate, the court’s ruling could ignite the biggest internal crisis in CHP’s 102-year history:

• Kılıçdaroğlu’s Return? A nullity ruling could restore him to leadership, despite his 2023 electoral defeat.

• Dual Leadership Battle: CHP could face two chairs—Özgür Özel in practice, Kılıçdaroğlu in law.

• Government Leverage: Alleged high-level contacts raise questions about whether the ruling will be judicially independent or politically influenced.

The stakes extend beyond party politics. The outcome may shape the opposition’s credibility and strategy ahead of Turkey’s next elections.

A Party on the Brink

Hikmet Çetin’s revelations have added dramatic new layers to an already contentious legal battle. His claim that Kılıçdaroğlu is lobbying at the highest levels for a court decision annulling the CHP congress suggests that Turkey’s main opposition party could soon face a historic power struggle.

As Çetin summarized:

“Our former chairman is working hard on this—and I think Ankara will deliver the nullity ruling.”

Whether this prediction materializes will become clearer when the court reconvenes in the coming weeks.