As intra-party turmoil continues in the Republican People's Party (CHP) with provincial chairmen of the party calling for an early party congress, former Istanbul CHP deputy İhsan Özkes claimed Monday on a local television program that party Chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu is supported by the Gülen Movement-affiliated Gülenist Terror Organization (FETÖ) and that the timing of Kılıçdaroğlu coming to his post is highly significant. With CHP Vice Chairman Murat Özçelik recently resigning from the party along with other members, pro-CHP media members criticized Kılıçdaroğlu for poor leadership. In regard to Kılıçdaroğlu keeping his post as chairman, Özkes said he cannot stay without FETÖ leader Fethullah Gülen.

Making claims on Kılıçdaroğlu's ties with FETÖ, Özkes alleged: "If it wasn't for Gülen, it would be tough for Kılıçdaroğlu to be in that position. Kılıçdaroğlu has ties with the party delegation in a way he would not leave." Concerning former CHP Chairman Deniz Baykal, Özkes alleged: "Baykal also had connections with the party delegation members, however the revealing of confidential details would force Kılıçdaroğlu to resign." Özkes said the video scandal that forced Baykal to resign from his post as chairman is highly significant and drew attention to Kılıçdaroğlu coming to the position shortly after the scandal. Saying that the "parallel structure," which is a term for FETÖ, is associated with the video scandal, Özkes asked to what extent this affiliation goes and that if Gülenists are still involved then the likelihood of Kılıçdaroğlu leaving is very low.