In a move that has sent shockwaves through Turkish politics, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has orchestrated the annulment of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu’s university diploma—effectively barring his strongest rival from challenging him in future elections. This blatant political maneuver comes at a time when Erdoğan faces dwindling public support, as opinion polls indicate that İmamoğlu, the leading opposition figure from the Republican People’s Party (CHP), has surpassed him in popularity.
A Calculated Move to Eliminate a Strong Rival
According to Turkish election law, a candidate must hold a university degree to run for the presidency. İmamoğlu, who earned his business administration degree from Istanbul University 35 years ago, suddenly found his academic credentials revoked. The university claims “irregularities” in his transfer process from a university in Northern Cyprus—despite the fact that İmamoğlu’s degree had been widely accepted for decades. The suspicious timing of this decision, just as İmamoğlu’s political momentum was peaking, suggests a clear attempt to eliminate a formidable opponent.
Erdoğan, constitutionally barred from running for another term, has been searching for ways to extend his rule beyond its legal limits. Unable to face a legitimate electoral challenge, he has turned to his familiar playbook of using state institutions to crush political opponents.
A Pattern of Silencing Opposition
This is not the first time Erdoğan has manipulated the system to maintain his grip on power. Over the past two decades, he has systematically dismantled democracy in Turkey. The country now holds the dubious distinction of having a record number of journalists, politicians, union leaders, and even artists behind bars. Critics are silenced through fabricated charges, media outlets are seized, and the judiciary is weaponized against those who dare to oppose him.
İmamoğlu, however, poses a unique threat. Unlike other opposition leaders who have been sidelined through legal battles or imprisonment, İmamoğlu has remained a charismatic and resilient figure. His victories in the Istanbul mayoral elections—despite Erdoğan’s best efforts to overturn them—proved that the people of Turkey are ready for change. Erdoğan knows that if he allows İmamoğlu to run in a fair election, he will lose.
The Hypocrisy of Erdoğan’s Own Diploma Scandal
Perhaps the most ironic aspect of this controversy is the long-standing mystery surrounding Erdoğan’s own university diploma. Despite ruling Turkey for over 23 years, no verifiable evidence of his degree has ever been produced. No classmates have come forward, no professors have confirmed his attendance, and no official records have been publicly presented. In contrast, İmamoğlu’s former classmates have testified to his education, yet it is his diploma that has been deemed illegitimate.
Erdoğan’s actions reveal a leader who is deeply afraid—not just of losing power, but of the accountability that comes with it. As Turkey inches closer to another crucial election cycle, his desperation is becoming more evident.
What’s Next for Turkey?
Despite this setback, İmamoğlu has vowed to fight back. He has called the decision unlawful and politically motivated, and he intends to challenge it in court. Whether the judiciary will stand up to Erdoğan’s influence remains uncertain, but what is clear is that Erdoğan will stop at nothing to cling to power.
The world is watching as Turkey’s democracy faces yet another test. Will Erdoğan succeed in silencing his opponents, or will the people push back against his authoritarian grip? One thing is certain: the battle for Turkey’s future is far from over.
