ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – Police on Wednesday detained Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s key political rival, after raiding his home on multiple charges, including aiding the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).

The detention comes a day after Istanbul University revoked his undergraduate degree, opening an investigation into Imamoglu for “forgery of official documents,” state media reported.

“It is understood that they committed the crime of aiding the PKK/KCK [Kurdistan Communities Union] terrorist organization by knowingly participating in the 'urban reconciliation' activity, which aims to increase the effectiveness of the terrorist organization in the metropolises,” state media said on Wednesday, citing a statement by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office

Imamoglu is the main political rival of Turkish President Erdogan and was expected to run for president in the next Turkish presidential elections set to take place in 2028.

The Istanbul mayor’s arrest came just days before he was to be formally named the candidate of the main opposition party CHP for the race.

"Hundreds of police officers have arrived at my door. I entrust myself to the people," Imamoglu posted in a video on X.

"The police are raiding my home, knocking on my door... I trust my nation," he said.

Tuncer Bakirhan, co-chair of the pro-Kurdish People’s Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party took to X to condemn Imamoglu’s arrest.

“We reject this unlawfulness committed against the will of the people and condemn it in the strongest terms,” Bakirhan said on Wednesday.

Other charges Imamoglu faces include bribery, extortion, and money laundering.

He was detained in an operation that targeted nearly 100 individuals, including several other Turkish officials.