Striking behind-the-scenes claim regarding local elections: Ali Yerlikaya rumored as AKP's Istanbul mayoral candidate!
It has been claimed that the AKP may nominate Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya to win back Istanbul in the local elections. Meanwhile, it has been learned that the name of Osman Gökçek, son of Melih Gökçek, is being discussed in political circles for the Ankara candidacy.
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There is less than 6 months left until the March 31, 2024, local elections. While alliance debates continue on the opposition front, the AKP aims to win back the metropolitan municipalities it lost in 2019, primarily Istanbul and Ankara.
The AKP, which lost Istanbul in 2019, has not yet announced its Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) candidate. While names such as Fahrettin Koca, Tevfik Göksu, and Adil Karaismailoğlu are being discussed behind the scenes, MAK Research President Mehmet Ali Kulat has put forward a striking claim.
IS AKP'S IMM CANDIDATE ALI YERLIKAYA?
Speaking to Haberet, Mehmet Ali Kulat announced that Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya is being discussed as the AKP's Istanbul candidate.
'OSMAN GÖKÇEK' CLAIM FOR ANKARA
Claiming that Osman Gökçek is very lucky for Ankara, Kulat said, "With a 'youth injection,' things could evolve into a different place."
While Kulat's words created an immediate stir, a new statement has emerged regarding Interior Minister Yerlikaya's potential Istanbul candidacy.
"I SPOKE WITH ONE OF THE NAMES CLOSEST TO YERLIKAYA"
tv100 Ankara Representative Deniz Gürel, in the behind-the-scenes information he provided on a live broadcast regarding Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, stated: "I spoke with one of the names closest to Ali Yerlikaya, and they used the expressions, 'We need to make more progress in the fight against irregular migration, gangs, and drugs. There is much work to be done.' Mr. Yerlikaya has no thoughts regarding a mayoral candidacy."