Three CHP Mayors Reportedly Set to Join Erdoğan's AKP Party

Allegations suggest that three mayors elected under the Republican People's Party (CHP) banner are preparing to switch allegiance to the Justice and Development Party (AKP). Journalists report that Eren Ali Bingöl, the mayor of Tuzla, Orhan Çerkez, the mayor of Çekmeköy, and Şile Deputy Mayor Sacit Terzi are expected to join the AKP on Saturday. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is anticipated to present them with their party badges at an AKP Istanbul Provincial Advisory Council meeting. The potential defection has gained traction following a social media post by journalist İsmail Saymaz. This development follows recent criticism leveled by Tuzla Mayor Eren Ali Bingöl against the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB). Bingöl had shared a video expressing concern over the potential demolition of homes belonging to 50,000 Tuzla residents, stating that efforts to resolve the issue over the past two years had yielded no progress. His remarks sparked considerable debate on social media, with many users criticizing his stance. The renewed speculation about Bingöl's potential move to the AKP intensified following his public criticism of the İBB, though he has not directly addressed these defection rumors.

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CHP’li Tuzla ve Çekmeköy belediye başkanları Eren Ali Bingöl ve Orhan Çerkez ile Şile Belediye Başkanvekili Sacit Terzi, yarın AK Parti’ye katılıyor. Cumhurbaşkanı Erdoğan, AK Parti İstanbul İl Danışma Meclisi toplantısında üç CHP’liye rozet takacak.