Speculation That AK Party Could Gain Control of Istanbul Municipal Council

Following the 2024 Turkish local elections, the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) council originally held 185 seats for the Republican People's Party (CHP). Subsequent arrests and suspensions reduced CHP representation to 165 seats, with the AK Party holding 121, MHP 6, BBP 2 and independents 3.

Analysts have suggested that if Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu receives a political ban from the pending "Ahmak" case, the council would need to elect a new mayor. They claim roughly 40 councillors who are supportive of CHP leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu could switch allegiance, potentially allowing the AK Party to command a majority. Some commentators argue that as few as 20 defections would be sufficient to alter the balance. CHP and İBB sources have rejected the rumors, stating the figures are inaccurate and that an AK Party takeover of the council is unlikely.