Istanbul University Revokes Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu's Diploma, Blocking Presidential Bid
The decision, criticized as politically motivated, disqualifies Erdogan's key rival from running in the 2028 election under Turkish law.
- Istanbul University annulled Ekrem Imamoglu's diploma, citing irregularities in his 1990 transfer from a Northern Cyprus university.
- The annulment disqualifies Imamoglu from running for president, a position requiring a higher education degree under Turkish law.
- Imamoglu and the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) have denounced the decision as unlawful and plan to challenge it in court.
- Critics view the move as a politically motivated effort to block Imamoglu, a prominent opposition figure, from challenging Erdogan in 2028.
- Imamoglu, who has faced multiple legal challenges in recent years, is expected to be formally nominated as the CHP's presidential candidate on March 23, 2025.
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