Özgür Özel reveals for the first time what he said to Burcu Köksal: 'If your husband made a mistake...'

CHP Chairman Özgür Özelmade his first public comments regarding Burcu Köksal, who has been in the news over allegations that she would switch to the AKP. Speaking during a live broadcast, Özel made notable assessments regarding the process and stated that he told Köksal, "Divorce your husband, but do not do this to your party" he said.

"HER PHONE WAS OFF, I COULD NOT REACH HER"

Stating that he tried to reach Burcu Köksal but did not receive a response, Özel said, "I called Burcu Köksal, but I could not reach her. Her phone was off. Great pressure is being applied to all components of the CHP, but we do not have the right to get tired or to be in a bad state" he said.

Emphasizing that Köksal had undertaken important duties within the party, Özel "We conducted polls while determining the candidate. We said let it be a correct and well-known name. The party gave her every opportunity, it made her a group deputy chair" he stated.

"EVERYTHING CHANGED AFTER A MEETING"

Stating that Köksal had been giving positive messages about the party until a short time ago, Özel said that his suspicions increased following the change that occurred.

"Just a short while ago, she went to Yenimahalle Mayor Fethi Yaşar and said, 'Everything is great, our relationship with the headquarters is good.' Then she has a meeting and everything changes. Whatever they are showing her, whatever they are threatening her with... This has now turned into a strong suspicion. She had previously promised me, 'I have no intention of moving anywhere,'" he said.

"I TOLD HER THE PARTY WOULD STAND BEHIND YOU"

Özel also explained that he had a private meeting with her after some allegations regarding Köksal's husband appeared in the AKP-aligned media.

"The AK Party media was reporting on some of her husband's business dealings. I called her and said, 'We will stand behind you. If your husband made a mistake, divorce your husband if necessary, but do not do this to your party. Do not be a partner to a mistake; the party will stand behind you like a fortress.' However, at the point we have reached, it does not seem like Ms. Burcu is in a position to come out tomorrow and make a reasonable explanation," he stated.

"OFFERS ARE BEING MADE TO OTHER MAYORS AS WELL"

Arguing that the process is not limited to Burcu Köksal, Özel claimed that various offers have also been conveyed to other CHP mayors.

Özel claimed that the AKP is targeting other CHP mayors, saying, "The other day, the spouse of one of our mayors told me; someone came and made an offer, saying, 'We have convinced Burcu, you should come too.' Such dirty bargaining is going on."