Imamoglu calls on opposition to support consensus candidate if he's disallowed from running in 2028 election
Imamoglu, the former Mayor of Istanbul and the Republican People's Party (CHP)'s official presidential candidate for the 2028 Turkish elections, is currently incarcerated at Silivri Marmara Prison. The political leader has been detained since March 2025, facing a range of allegations under Turkey's Penal Code, including corruption, extortion, bribery, money laundering, and ties to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) due to electoral alliances formed in the 2024 municipal elections.
The charges against Imamoglu are not limited to the ongoing investigations but also include finalized sentences. He faces allegations under multiple cases, including TCK 220/1, TCK 220/7, TCK 314/2, TCK 135, and TCK 252, of "forming and leading a criminal organization." One of the finalized sentences Imamoglu faces is the "Fools" case, which, if upheld, would apply a political ban.
Imamoglu's imprisonment has been met with criticism, particularly regarding his governance style. Perceived lack of transparency and delays in some Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality projects have amplified these criticisms. Additionally, allegations of politically motivated senior appointments and Imamoglu's occasionally sharp rhetoric towards judicial members have triggered legal processes and criticism for creating "unnecessary tension with state institutions."
Despite the legal and political challenges, the CHP has shown unwavering support for Imamoglu. The party continues to nominate him as their primary opposition candidate, indicating their commitment to him as a symbolic and leading figure against President Erdoğan’s ruling AKP. However, ongoing legal challenges by the government, which opposes Imamoglu, might impede his ability to campaign or even stand in the election.
If Imamoglu is unable to run, the democratic opposition could unite around a common candidate, as Imamoglu himself has stated. This call has been criticized as taking Turkey's internal issues to foreign actors and interpreted as seeking "foreign intervention." CHP Chairman Ozgur Ozel has stated that if Imamoglu cannot run, they will look for a suitable candidate to carry Imamoglu's vision forward.
Other opposition figures, including Kurdish politicians historically targeted by the government, could emerge if Imamoglu is disqualified or unable to run. However, the CHP's current stance strongly supports Imamoglu despite the legal and political pressure.
The timing of Imamoglu's potential candidacy may be affected by the evolving political and legal landscape. Turkey’s presidential elections can be held earlier than 2028, so the situation remains dynamic due to Turkey’s politically charged environment, ongoing legal harassment of opposition figures, and the government’s efforts to marginalize opponents ahead of the elections. Alternative scenarios depend heavily on future legal rulings and political developments within Turkey.
- Imamoglu, the CHP's presidential candidate for the 2028 Turkish elections, is currently imprisoned at Silivri Marmara Prison.
- The Turkish political leader is facing a range of allegations under Turkey's Penal Code, including corruption, extortion, and ties to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).
- Imamoglu's incarceration and the allegations against him have been met with criticism, particularly regarding his governance style and delays in some Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality projects.
- The CHP continues to nominate Imamoglu as their primary opposition candidate despite ongoing legal challenges by the government.
- The CHP's current stance strongly supports Imamoglu despite the legal and political pressure, but if he is unable to run, they may look for a suitable candidate to carry Imamoglu's vision forward.
- The timing of Imamoglu's potential candidacy may be affected by the evolving political and legal landscape, as Turkey’s presidential elections can be held earlier than 2028.
- The situation remains dynamic due to Turkey’s politically charged environment, ongoing legal harassment of opposition figures, and the government’s efforts to marginalize opponents ahead of the elections.
- Other opposition figures, including Kurdish politicians, could emerge if Imamoglu is disqualified or unable to run, but the democratic opposition could also unite around a common candidate, a move criticized as seeking "foreign intervention."
