Turkey Voids Erdogan Rival’s Degree, Risking Presidency Bid

Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was set to become the presidential pick for the main opposition Republican People’s Party, or CHP, on Sunday. — Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was set to become the presidential pick for the main opposition Republican People’s Party, or CHP, on Sunday.
Photographer: Hollie Adams/Bloomberg

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By Beril Akman

March 18, 2025 at 3:25 PM UTC

Updated on

March 18, 2025 at 6:16 PM UTC

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Turkey revoked Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu’s university diploma, potentially blocking President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s main rival from running for the country’s top office.

The mayor, one of Turkey’s most popular politicians, has been widely viewed as a contender to the presidency since defeating Erdogan’s handpicked candidate in Istanbul’s mayoral race last year. Imamoglu was set to become the presidential pick for the main opposition Republican People’s Party, or CHP, on Sunday.