Claim: Erdoğan tested the waters for Cemil Tugay! 'I believed he would join the AK Party...'

Following the absolute nullity decision, İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Cemil Tugay, who left the Republican People's Party (CHP) in June, had announced that he would join the NEW Party to be founded by Özgür Özel. However, Tugay, who did not join the NEW Party founded on July 24, had announced that he would continue his path as an independent.

This statement by Tugay led to rumors that he would switch to the AKP. Although Tugay denied the rumors that he would transfer to the AKP, the claims about him did not cease.

Most recently, it was claimed that Tugay would officially transfer on August 14, the anniversary of the AKP's founding.

On the other hand, it was also among the claims that Tugay did not respond to the calls of some politicians close to Özgür Özel and those operating under the umbrella of the NEW Party. Furthermore, Tugay's departure from the WhatsApp group named “İzmir Metropolitan Communication,” which is used within the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality, also drew attention.

Journalist İsmail Küçükkaya brought a striking claim about Tugay to the agenda.

President Erdoğan tested the waters with İzmir deputies at his party's Sapanca retreat, asking, 'Shall we take in Cemil Tugay, what do you think?' Since learning this and then confirming it, I have believed that Mayor Tugay will join the AK Party. https://t.co/cixMcT1FI6

— İsmail Küçükkaya (@KucukkayaIsmail) August 10, 2026

Küçükkaya claimed that AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan tested the waters regarding Tugay's participation in the party during his meetings with İzmir deputies at his party's Sapanca retreat.

Küçükkaya used the following expressions in his post:

"President Erdoğan tested the waters with İzmir deputies at his party's Sapanca retreat, asking, 'Shall we take in Cemil Tugay, what do you think?' Since learning this and then confirming it, I have believed that Mayor Tugay will join the AK Party."

News Source: 12punto