The University of Istanbul has revoked Ekrem Imamoglu’s diploma, threatening his chance to run for president in 2028. Imamoglu calls the decision “illegal” and vows to appeal.
The University of Istanbul in Turkey has revoked the diploma of Ekrem Imamoglu, the mayor of Istanbul, citing irregularities with the regulations of the Higher Education Council. This decision poses a significant threat to Imamoglu’s ability to run in the 2028 presidential elections.
On Tuesday, the university revealed that 38 individuals, including Imamoglu, had been improperly transferred into the English-language program at the Faculty of Management in 1990. The university reported that 10 of these transfers were annulled, including Imamoglu’s, along with the diplomas of 28 other graduates.
Imamoglu condemned the decision, calling it “illegal,” and promised to appeal in court. “They [the university] do not have the authority to make such a decision; this authority belongs only to the Board of Directors of the Faculty of Business Administration,” Imamoglu declared. He further emphasized, “The days when those who made this decision will be held accountable before history and justice are near. The march of our nation, thirsty for justice, law, and democracy, cannot be stopped.”
The decision could severely damage Imamoglu’s plans to challenge Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the 2028 elections. This move comes just days before the opposition was expected to nominate Imamoglu as their presidential candidate.
Under Turkey’s Constitution, presidential candidates must hold a higher education degree. Imamoglu, who is currently serving his second term as the mayor of Istanbul, faces multiple investigations and legal challenges.
Imamoglu’s legal battle over his revoked diploma could reshape the landscape of Turkey’s 2028 presidential elections. As he vows to fight the decision, his bid to challenge Erdogan is now uncertain, with the political climate growing ever more contentious.
