Turkey's CHP rocked by court nullification and provincial revolt

Turkey's main opposition party, the Republican People's Party (CHP), is embroiled in a leadership crisis after the Ankara Regional Court of Justice issued a "mutlak butlan" decision that voided the removal of Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and restored his position as party leader. In response, chairpersons from 74 provincial branches released a joint statement rejecting the dismissals, demanding an extraordinary congress, and asserting that delegate votes outweigh any central appointments.

The turmoil spilled into public actions: a Bodrum‑based citizens' initiative launched a signature campaign titled "We don't want Kılıçdaroğlu in Bodrum," planning a five‑day collection of signatures to be delivered to the CHP headquarters. Meanwhile, a scheduled rally for Kılıçdaroğlu in Istanbul was cancelled at the last minute, with party officials announcing the cancellation on social media.

Speculation also grew about a contingency plan. Party figure Özgür Özel is reported to be preparing a covert "backup" party, drawing on a model used by the Kurdish HDP, to contest elections should legal obstacles prevent the CHP from holding a congress. The plan allegedly involves unknown figures and secret organization across Anatolia.

The combined developments underline a deep split within the CHP, with provincial units challenging the central leadership and preparing for multiple legal‑political pathways.