Ekrem İmamoğlu crisis in the AKP: Is there a rift within the party? The 'do not create victimhood for the CHP' stance

The arrest and removal from office of Ekrem İmamoğlu have caused a wide ripple effect within AKP circles. While three different approaches have emerged within the party regarding how the process should be interpreted, proponents of each view evaluate the issue from different angles.

According to the report by Ünsal Ergel from Gerçek Gündem, the three main views within the AKP have taken shape as follows:

1. The Necessity of the Operation and Corruption Allegations

One segment defends the arrest of Ekrem İmamoğlu, alleging that major corruption has taken place within the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. AKP members who adopt this view state that the investigation carries legal necessity and argue that Istanbul's resources have been exploited by a group.

Furthermore, it is stated that the financial structures created regarding İmamoğlu's candidacy process are not transparent and that it is impossible to turn a blind eye to this. Figures in this group believe that the operation is an important step taken in the name of fighting corruption.

2. The Perception of Victimhood Benefiting the CHP

Another segment argues that due to the timing and method of the operation, it has provided an advantage to the CHP instead of harming it. This group is of the opinion that İmamoğlu creating a perception of victimhood strengthens the hand of the CHP.

Stating that the operation could also increase the negative effects of the economic policies implemented over the last two years, AKP members emphasize that the operation has created an "unnecessary perception of victimhood." In this process, it is noted that İmamoğlu is gathering more support from the public with his rhetoric of victimhood and that the AKP should have sought different ways to prevent this.

Those who advocate this view draw attention to the political consequences of the operation, saying, "The political consequences of every step must be calculated. Fighting theft is certainly important, but this should not have been the way to do it. Now, İmamoğlu is gathering more support with his rhetoric of victimhood. There could have been other ways to prevent this."

3. The Necessity for the Legal Process to be Independent of Politics

The third view within the AKP argues that the process should be evaluated completely independently of politics. This segment expresses that the CHP tries to use every event to create political victimhood, but that the judicial process must operate equally for all citizens.

AKP figures unite in the view that it is not correct to associate the process with the ruling power. It is emphasized that the independence of the judiciary must be protected and that state institutions must not be undermined.