Is Cemil Tugay joining the AKP? He responds to the allegations

İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Cemil Tugay has responded to allegations that he will join the AKP. 

Making a statement via his social media account, Tugay used the words, "They have thrown all kinds of slander at me until today, but this is the first time I have encountered one so ridiculous." 

Stating, "I am amazed by the minds of those who put such a thing forward and those who try to manipulate perception in their own way," Tugay said the following:

"Just as it was yesterday, today and tomorrow, I will continue to defend Republican values, democracy, justice, and secularism under the light of the six arrows of our Republican People's Party until my last breath. Turncoating belongs to others; continuing the struggle with honor belongs to us."