Ruling Nullifying CHP Leadership Tightens Erdoğan’s Grip Ahead of 2028 Vote

Turkish Police Raid Opposition Headquarters

Turkish riot police forcibly entered the headquarters of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) in Ankara on Sunday, following a court decision that nullified the party's leadership. The intervention occurred days after an appeal court ruling on Thursday declared the leadership of Özgür Özel null and void, replacing him with Kemal Kilicdaroğlu. Police utilized tear gas to breach barricades, encountering resistance from individuals inside the building.

The court's decision effectively replaces the entire executive of the CHP, rendering its prior decisions unrecognized. This development follows a lower court ruling in 2025 that dismissed allegations of vote buying during the CHP primary, which saw Özel become opposition leader. Justice Minister Akin Gürlek stated that the appeal court ruling reinforces public trust in democracy.

The incident is perceived as further consolidating President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's political influence. Erdoğan has led Turkey since 2003, and critics, including Özel, have accused his AK party of systematically undermining political rivals. The current legal framework would require Erdoğan to call early elections before 2028 or amend the constitution to seek another presidential term.