# CHP political shifts and local leadership uncertainty

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/chp-political-shifts-and-local-leadership-uncertainty
> Updated: 2026-09-10T06:56:50.000Z. Sources: 48. Developments: 3.

Political uncertainty continues to grow within the Republican People's Party (CHP) as prominent local officials distance themselves from the organization. Following the resignation of İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Cemil Tugay from the CHP in June, party spokesperson Müslim Sarı stated that the party has made no official decision regarding Tugay’s future. While Tugay has denied rumors of joining the AKP, he remains an independent figure. In İzmir, Foça Mayor Saniye Bora Fıçı has officially joined the Justice and Development Party (AKP), fulfilling previous rumors of her transition. Fıçı, who received her party badge from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, stated her decision was motivated by a desire to serve Foça more effectively through dialogue with all institutions rather than personal careerism. Her move has sparked protests in Foça, with some citizens calling for her resignation, arguing the move disregards the voters' original mandate. Other local officials joining the AKP include Felahiye Mayor Şeref Güleser, Akkışla Mayor Mustafa Dursun, and Sungu Mayor Burhan Sayılgan.

In Ankara, Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mansur Yavaş has addressed speculation regarding a potential defection to the AKP following a meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Yavaş denied the rumors, clarifying that the discussion focused exclusively on Ankara's municipal needs, including metro projects, a planned convention center in Yenimahalle, and financing requests. He noted that he informed CHP leaders Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and Özgür Özel about the discussion. Yavaş emphasized that if his moderate approach of maintaining dialogue with the central administration causes discomfort to CHP leadership, he would take necessary action, including resignation. This stance has caused friction within the CHP, with officials like Faik Öztrak expressing disappointment over Yavaş's absence from the party's anniversary event. Meanwhile, the CHP has announced its congress schedule, which is set to begin on September 10 and conclude by mid-February.

## Claims

- Mansur Yavaş stated that his meeting with President Erdoğan focused exclusively on Ankara's infrastructure and investment projects. (corroborated by 12 sources)
- Foça Mayor Saniye Bora Fıçı officially joined the AK Parti. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- Mansur Yavaş claimed that both CHP leaders Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and Özgür Özel were informed of his meeting with the President. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Yavaş stated he would take necessary action, including potential resignation, if his political stance causes discomfort to the CHP or Yeni Parti leadership. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Ekrem İmamoğlu was sentenced to 2 years and 1 month in prison and received a political ban in a case regarding alleged insults to a former official. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The case concerns alleged insults directed at former Tuzla Mayor Şadi Yazıcı. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- CHP's Faik Öztrak expressed disappointment that Mansur Yavaş did not attend the party's anniversary event at Anıtkabir. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The Republican People's Party (CHP) announced a congress schedule starting on September 10. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The decision is not final and can be appealed to the regional court within two weeks. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-10: Ekrem İmamoğlu sentenced to prison and political ban

Ekrem İmamoğlu received a 2-year prison sentence and political ban in a defamation case. Meanwhile, Mansur Yavaş faces internal CHP tension after meeting President Erdoğan, and Foça Mayor joins AK Parti.

43 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/izmir-mayors-reportedly-planning-to-defect-from-chp-to-akp

### 2026-09-06: Istanbul Deputy Mayor Nuri Aslan distances himself from CHP

Istanbul Deputy Mayor Nuri Aslan has distanced himself from the CHP, stating his loyalty to Ekrem İmamoğlu amid speculation of a move to the Yeni Parti.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/istanbul-deputy-mayor-nuri-aslan-distances-himself-from-chp

### 2026-09-03: Cemil Tugay's political future addressed by CHP spokesperson

CHP spokesperson Müslim Sarı stated that İzmir Mayor Cemil Tugay must first clarify his own political position before the party makes any decisions regarding his potential return to the CHP.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cemil-tugays-political-future-addressed-by-chp-spokesperson

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Cite as: CHP political shifts and local leadership uncertainty. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/chp-political-shifts-and-local-leadership-uncertainty