Ahmet Hakan names AKP's candidate for Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality: Any other name would be a surprise

As the local elections approach, there is great curiosity regarding which name the AKP will nominate against Ekrem İmamoğlu in Istanbul.

AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, in a statement to journalists before a meeting with his party's leadership, said, "You will hear the Istanbul candidate on Sunday."

AHMET HAKAN NAMES A CANDIDATE

While all eyes in the political agenda are turned toward January 7, Hürriyet Editor-in-Chief Ahmet Hakan, known for his proximity to the government, has named his pick for the AKP's Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality candidate.

Reminding readers that Erdoğan said, "The announcements we will make will be a surprise from A to Z, and they will also be an expression of our determination to win," Hakan evaluated other names on the agenda in his column as follows:

"Based on this answer, there are those who ask, 'Could it be Selçuk Bayraktar?'

My approach to this matter is as follows: I don't think so. There doesn't seem to be much of a sign in that direction.

Erdoğan's use of the word 'surprise' has also brought the name of Fatih Mayor Ergun Turan to the forefront. Could it be? There is a possibility. But it is a small one.

The name of Ali Yerlikaya is still on the agenda. The prevailing opinion on this matter is: 'Yerlikaya is successfully carrying out an important duty like the Ministry of Interior. It would be a mistake for him to leave this post.' Note: I also share this prevailing opinion.

The result? My prediction is that the candidate will be announced as Murat Kurum. If it is any other name, it will be a complete surprise to me."

News Source: 12punto