Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, one of Turkey’s most prominent opposition figures, has taken a bold step towards challenging President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in the country’s 2028 presidential elections. Launching his campaign in İzmir, a city historically associated with opposition to Erdoğan’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), İmamoğlu’s defiant rhetoric marks a significant shift in Turkey’s political landscape.
Addressing supporters, İmamoğlu made a direct appeal to the Turkish electorate, positioning himself as the strongest alternative to Erdoğan. “I have bad news for you on this blessed Ramadan day. I swear by God, I will haunt your dreams. I will not be afraid, I will not be intimidated!” he declared, in a tone uncharacteristically confrontational for Turkish opposition leaders. He continued:
“Sorry, Erdoğan. Your era is over. I challenge you from here; bring out whatever you have. But not with fabricated documents or secret witness statements—be brave, be brave!”
His challenge comes as he faces numerous legal battles, with alleged charges ranging from insulting a public official to irregularities in municipal hiring practices. Government critics argue that these charges are politically motivated attempts to sideline İmamoğlu from future elections, a tactic used before in Turkey’s increasingly authoritarian political climate.
Despite the legal threats, İmamoğlu remains undeterred. He has cast himself as the defender of Turkish democracy, highlighting the CHP’s decision to hold a presidential primary—a first in the country’s history—as evidence of the party’s commitment to democratic values. With over 1.5 million registered party members eligible to vote in the primary, set for 23 March, İmamoğlu is widely seen as the frontrunner in the opposition’s bid to take on Erdoğan in an election earlier than that scheduled for 2028.
The broader political climate in Turkey has become increasingly tense, with Erdoğan’s government cracking down on opposition figures, journalists and activists. In recent months, several opposition politicians have been detained, fuelling concerns over the state of democracy and the rule of law in Turkey. Critics argue that Erdoğan is attempting to eliminate rivals before they can mount a serious electoral challenge.
As Turkey moves closer to the likelihood of early elections, the contest between Erdoğan and İmamoğlu is shaping up to be the defining political battle of the decade. With the CHP leadership rallying behind the Istanbul mayor, and İmamoğlu openly challenging the president, the coming period is likely to see an intensification of political conflict between the ruling AKP and an emboldened opposition.
