‘I’m nobody’s backup’: Ankara mayor rejects attending Imamoglu’s presidential meeting

Mansur Yavas, the Mayor of Ankara and a prominent figure in the main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), has announced that he will not attend a meeting in Ankara organized by Ekrem Imamoglu, the Mayor of Istanbul, who has recently declared his candidacy for president.

Yavas stated that he does not wish to get involved in political disputes, emphasizing, “I am nobody’s backup, and I will not allow myself to be placed in that position.”

The debate over the presidential primary within the CHP is ongoing. Imamoglu is the only candidate in the primary scheduled for March 23. Yavas had previously stated that he would not participate in the primary.

‘I am nobody’s backup’

Responding to the criticism aimed at him, Yavas sent a message through Haberturk TV, strongly rejecting any political maneuvering. “To suggest that a politician is waiting for another to be sidelined so they can take their place is both disrespectful to that politician and an insult to me,” Yavas said.

I will always stand against any unjust actions toward Ekrem Imamoglu. Moreover, I am nobody’s backup, and I won’t allow myself to be put in that position.

Mansur Yavas, the Mayor of Ankara

‘I won’t attend the meeting in Ankara’

While Yavas expressed respect for the party’s decisions, he made it clear that he would not take part in any discussions that could lead to a divided image of the CHP.

Imamoglu is my political ally, but I also have my own path. As I have previously said, we will discuss these matters when the time comes. We will certainly send our best wishes for the meeting, but for now, I do not plan to attend Saturday’s event.

Mansur Yavas, the Mayor of Ankara