Announced province by province: 8 more names to join AKP after Özlem Çerçioğlu

Aydın Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Özlem Çerçioğlu's resignation from the CHP last month to join the AKP has drawn attention in political circles.

This decision by Çerçioğlu, who had been active in the CHP for many years and severed ties with her party, has brought to the agenda that the AKP's efforts to incorporate CHP-held municipalities are gaining momentum.

The claim that the ruling party will continue its efforts to bring CHP municipalities into its fold was put forward by journalist Sinan Burhan.

Burhan, who was the first to announce that Özlem Çerçioğlu would join the AKP, has now made a new claim. Burhan provided information that 8 more CHP district mayors from Ankara, Konya, and Samsun will join the AKP.

Sinan Burhan emphasized that the actions of the mayors alleged to be joining the AKP depend on the outcome of the CHP congress lawsuit to be heard on September 15.

Burhan stated, "The mayors are tired; the steps to be taken will be determined according to the outcome of the case." Following this case, he reiterated claims that 3 municipalities from Ankara, 4 from Konya, and a major district municipality from Samsun would join the AKP.

CHP Chairman Özgür Özel had previously stated that some mayors were being forced to change parties through operations and threats of imprisonment.

Sinan Burhan said, "3 in Ankara, 4 from Konya, and a major district municipality from Samsun are waiting to switch to the AK Party," reinforcing comments that this development would mean a significant loss for the CHP. He pointed out that the mayors would take rapid steps, particularly depending on the outcome of the lawsuit.