Claims that Sinan Oğan would take over that party: Turkey Alliance Party Chairman Mehmet Sağlam says: He is not a member

Ercan KÜÇÜK - 12punto.com.tr

Sinan Oğan is among the most discussed politicians following the presidential elections. Oğan, who withdrew in favor of Tayyip Erdoğan in the second round of the presidential elections, was not given any ministerial, vice-presidential, or similar roles. Following the elections, Oğan has been working with the Turkey Alliance Party.

In statements made before the elections, Oğan had signaled that he would continue in politics. Following the second round of the presidential election held on May 28, Oğan has been working closely with the Turkey Alliance Party. It has even been claimed that Oğan, who attends branch openings where the Chairman is not even present and whose name is turned into slogans at their programs, would take over the leadership of this party.

Turkey Alliance Party Chairman Mehmet Sağlam explained his relationship with Oğan and the circulating claims to 12punto.

“OĞAN PROVIDES SUPPORT REGARDING ORGANIZATIONS”

Sağlam emphasized that their association with Oğan began before the general elections. Sağlam described the support Oğan has given them with the following words:

“We acted together with Mr. Sinan before the general elections. After the general elections, we replaced some of our tired provincial chairmen and appointed new friends in their place. Mr. Sinan, thank you, provides us with great support regarding the organizations. Mr. Sinan's political relations are based on friendship. He is of benefit to us.

He does not have a position in the party. We invite him when we need him or when citizens want to see him in the provinces where we are organizing. If his schedule permits, he does not turn us down, he comes, thank you.”

POINTING TO AFTER THE ELECTION

Regarding the claims that he was not invited to the openings of some provincial and district organizations and that he was unaware of new appointments, Sağlam pointed to the period after the local elections. Sağlam spoke as follows:

“We will hopefully explain these issues after the election. We are currently on the eve of an election. The interests of the country are more important to us. It would not suit us to occupy the agenda with empty things. Let us get through the local elections and see where we stand."

Sağlam answered our question, “Will Sinan Oğan continue as a supporter of the party in this way? Or will he take on a role?” as follows:

“The seats we occupy are not our deeded property. I am the chairman elected for 3 years at the congress. We will have a congress tomorrow. You can also be a candidate. It comes with an election and goes with an election. But of course, we would want someone who can manage better than us to sit in the seat.”

"HE CANNOT SAY ‘I AM A CANDIDATE’"

When we asked whether Sinan Oğan has a membership in the party, Sağlam said the following:

“No, he does not have a membership. I read these in quite a few places in Yeniçağ. Mr. Sinan does not have a membership in any party. Therefore, someone who is not a member of our party cannot come to our congress and say ‘I am a candidate.’ If he wants to become a member, it goes without saying, we would do it with all our heart.

We did not make a membership offer. We already acted together both before and after the general elections. I was not in Turkey for 2-3 months. Thank you, he has given us quite a lot of support.”