Suspended Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu has announced his resignation from Turkiye’s Republican People’s Party (CHP) after 17 years of membership.

Axar.az reports that, in a statement published by his Presidential Candidate Office on X, Imamoglu said the decision was based on his beliefs about Turkiye’s future and his responsibility to the Turkish people.

“Dear citizens, my valued comrades, I am resigning from my 17-year membership in the Republican People’s Party. This decision is the result of the values I believe in regarding our country’s future and the responsibility I carry toward our nation.”

He thanked those who had worked alongside him and called for a new political path.

“Today, we are opening a NEW path to build together a stronger, more democratic and more hopeful tomorrow for Turkiye.”

Imamoglu invited his supporters to join the new political movement.

“I invite you to be part of this journey, to grow hope together and to build the future together.”