Nationalist candidate backs Erdogan in Turkish runoff elections

Istanbul: Sinan Ogan, a previously lesser-known hardline nationalist candidate who secured 5.2% of the vote in the initial presidential election, has announced his support for President Tayyip Erdogan in the upcoming Turkish runoff election.

This endorsement gives a significant boost to Erdogan's campaign while complicating the path for opposition candidate Kemal Kilicdaroglu.

Ogan, who unexpectedly emerged as a potential "kingmaker," emphasized his role in elevating Turkish nationalists and criticized Kilicdaroglu's Nation Alliance during a press conference in Ankara.

Erdogan secured 49.5% of the initial vote compared to Kilicdaroglu's 44.9%, placing Erdogan in a favorable position as he aims to extend his two-decade rule.

He is known for his anti-immigrant stance and expressed intentions to strengthen Turkish nationalists and secularists while removing two predominantly Kurdish parties from the political equation.

Erdogan welcomed Ogan's endorsement, particularly highlighting their shared views on fighting terrorism and relations with Turkic states.

However, Ogan's support may lead to division among his own supporters, as the Victory Party is yet to announce its position on the runoff separately.

Kilicdaroglu has intensified his rhetoric, pledging to repatriate all migrants if elected.

Additionally, a member of Erdogan's alliance broke away over the weekend to endorse Kilicdaroglu.