Former MHP Official Mustafa Ertekin Joins Zafer Party

Mustafa Ertekin, a former member of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Central Executive Committee, has officially joined the Zafer Party, as announced by Zafer Party Chairman Ümit Özdağ at a press conference in Ankara. Ertekin's move follows his resignation from the MHP on July 22, 2026, which he stated was a decision made based on his personal evaluations and a perceived need for change.

Özdağ welcomed Ertekin, emphasizing his deep understanding of the MHP's internal processes and his long-standing involvement in various roles within the party. "Mr. Mustafa Ertekin, who has been closely following this process from the beginning, who has some information that we do not have and that others do, and who has served in various positions within the Nationalist Movement Party for many years, and who was a member of the Nationalist Movement Party Central Executive Committee until last night, resigned from the Nationalist Movement Party yesterday," Özdağ stated.

Özdağ further elaborated on Ertekin's motivations, suggesting his resignation was a reaction to recent events within the MHP. He highlighted Ertekin's background as a Turkish nationalist and his past work with Alparslan Türkeş, a prominent figure in Turkish nationalism. "As a Turkish nationalist, as a ülkücü who worked with Alparslan Türkeş, he is no longer complicit in what is happening and has joined the ranks of the Zafer Party by submitting his resignation. Welcome among us," Özdağ added.

Ertekin himself had previously announced his resignation via social media, stating, "At the current stage, based on my own assessments and the necessity I perceive, I have decided to resign from my Nationalist Movement Party membership as of July 22, 2026." Özdağ also noted Ertekin's prominent role in explaining the MHP's official stance on numerous television programs, panels, and conferences across Anatolia over the past 21 months, suggesting his departure signifies a significant internal shift.