Retired Colonel Declares Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu Not CHP Leader

A retired colonel has publicly declared that Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu is no longer the legitimate leader of Turkey's Republican People's Party (CHP).

Orkun Özeller, a retired colonel, stated on social media that due to a court decision imposing "provisional absolute nullity," Kılıçdaroğlu's leadership is invalid. Özeller asserted that Kılıçdaroğlu is effectively not the CHP's general chairman because he was not elected to the position.

Özeller's statement comes amid a contentious process following a court ruling that appointed new leadership to the CHP. He believes that Özgür Özel, who was elected chairman by the party's members, must protect the will of those who voted for him. Özeller also noted that if Kılıçdaroğlu had not supported the "Territory-Free Turkey" process, their support might have been different.

"The will of the Turkish nation is essential. This is the requirement of democracy," Özeller stated, underscoring his belief that the current political situation within the CHP is a matter of public concern that affects all citizens, regardless of party affiliation.