Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoğlu referred to President Erdoğan as a "pitiful rival". This statement has created a significant stir in the political arena.

Imamoğlu expressed his full support for CHP Chairman Özgür Özel and set ambitious goals for after the congress. He stated, "We will establish presidential offices in Ankara and Istanbul."

Imamoğlu emphasized his belief that they will overcome the corruption in the justice system. He remarked, "The heart desires a fair competition, but what we face is not that."

He noted that the youth have become their guides, stating, "We will achieve victory with the youth." He expressed that the courage of the youth has spread to society.

Despite being detained, Imamoğlu stated that his morale is good and that they will emerge stronger from this process. He declared, "The will of the people is greater than any individual."