Ismail Küçükkaya makes a bombshell candidacy claim: What did Ekrem İmamoğlu say at the meeting in the White Mansion?

In the trial where Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu was accused of calling YSK members 'fools' (ahmak), the Istanbul Anatolian 7th Criminal Court of First Instance sentenced İmamoğlu to 2 years, 7 months, and 15 days in prison, along with a 4-year political ban. All eyes are now on the Court of Appeal regarding the case against İmamoğlu.

Legal experts from the Republican People's Party (CHP) held a meeting at the White Mansion regarding the matter.

While there is ongoing speculation that the CHP will announce İmamoğlu as its presidential candidate if the Court of Appeal upholds his sentence, journalist İsmail Küçükkaya shared striking inside information.

Küçükkaya revealed what was discussed at the meeting in the White Mansion, where İmamoğlu stayed for a short time.

Speaking on the "Yeni Bir Sabah" program on Halk TV, Küçükkaya claimed that İmamoğlu has requested that "the CHP nominate me as the presidential candidate."

Küçükkaya stated the following:

“I heard this from at least two separate, serious sources. Now, first of all, let me say this upfront: I would never, under any circumstances, find it appropriate or correct to impose a political ban on İmamoğlu or any other politician through such a case. I do not find it consistent with the democratic and legal system.”

"I HAVE CONFIRMED IT"

Everyone now knows what the political consequences of this will be. That is a separate matter. But for some time now, the İmamoğlu side has been saying, 'Let the CHP announce me as the presidential candidate if our resignation is approved.' We hear this. From names close to İmamoğlu, his staff, and so on. However, this was also discussed in the meeting between the CHP Headquarters and İmamoğlu's staff. I have confirmed it.

"İMAMOĞLU: CHP CAN ANNOUNCE MY NAME NOW"

Furthermore, I heard this from those who heard it directly from İmamoğlu himself. In other words, İmamoğlu also said this. He said, 'Look, there is such an unlawful attempt. They are trying to block me. The CHP can announce my name as the presidential candidate right now.'

"IT IS NOT AN APPROPRIATE METHOD"

This has been discussed and debated. I had been hearing this from others and observing it, but I verified from two separate sources whether İmamoğlu had actually said it. Yes, İmamoğlu told us this.

I asked why. Why does he want this? He said it would be a deterrent and that Turkey would be rid of such lawlessness, said İmamoğlu. But frankly, I do not see this as an appropriate method.

"IN MY OPINION, IT IS CONTRARY TO THE LOGIC OF POLITICS"

I mean, such a thing cannot be. In my opinion, this is not suitable for politics, the logic of politics, mathematics, or the psychology of Turkey, and so on. It is not even in accordance with the law. Now, just think about it, it is not even clear when the election will be held.

Perhaps there won't be an early election before 2028. Perhaps it will be in the autumn of 2026, as we predicted, but we cannot know. As for who the candidate is, that is clear. Nothing is clear. Now, in such a situation, can the CHP say 'our candidate is İmamoğlu'? This cannot happen. It cannot.