The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum has made it clear that it won’t be part of any political alliance ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, the Forum held a meeting in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Monday where they distanced themselves from the coalition being formed by opposition politicians.

In a move that also deepens the party’s internal crisis, the Forum threw its weight behind Deputy National Secretary Setonji Koshoedo as the Acting National Secretary—further complicating the battle over who holds the position officially.

This development comes shortly after Atiku Abubakar, the PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, unveiled a new opposition coalition. The group reportedly includes political figures like former Labour Party candidate Peter Obi and former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai.

Atiku said the goal of the alliance is to unseat President Bola Tinubu in 2027. El-Rufai recently left the APC for the Social Democratic Party (SDP), citing poor internal democracy under Tinubu’s leadership.

Meanwhile, former SDP presidential candidate Adewale Adebayo revealed that both Atiku and Obi are in discussions about joining the party. He believes that if they embrace the party’s values, they can challenge Tinubu and the APC effectively.

Adding to the speculation, NNPP chieftain Buba Galadima claimed that El-Rufai is acting as Atiku’s backup option in the SDP if the PDP refuses him the 2027 ticket.

The criminal trial of South Korea’s former president, Yoon Suk Yeol, began on Monday as he faces charges of insurrection for declaring martial law late last year, which led to months of political unrest.

The martial law declaration lasted just six hours after parliamentary staffers blocked special forces from entering the parliament building, where lawmakers voted against it.

Yoon, who left his home in a motorcade to attend the court session at the Seoul Central District Court, denied all charges. Prosecutors argued that he had no legal right to declare martial law and accused him of attempting to paralyze state institutions like parliament.

Yoon defended his actions, claiming that martial law was necessary to highlight the opposition party’s control over the legislature, which repeatedly blocked his government’s agenda. He maintained that he never intended to disrupt the country.

The charge of insurrection could result in life imprisonment or even the death penalty, though South Korea has not carried out executions in decades.

Earlier this month, Yoon was removed from office by the Constitutional Court for violating constitutional powers, with his martial law declaration on December 3 which is a serious blow to democracy. The court notes that his actions caused chaos across society, the economy, and foreign policy.

Lere Olayinka, the spokesman for Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, has shared his thoughts on why any opposition led by Atiku Abubakar, the former PDP presidential candidate, is bound to fail.

Meanwhile, Olayinka suggested that if President Bola Tinubu promises to hand over power to Atiku in 2027, the former Vice President would abandon the opposition and join the All Progressives Congress (APC) without hesitation.

His remarks came after Atiku’s visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari in Kaduna, where he was accompanied by key political figures like Nasir El-Rufai, Aminu Tambuwal, and Gabriel Suswam. Atiku claimed his visit was to pay Sallah respects to Buhari. However, Olayinka dismissed this reason, suggesting Atiku should instead visit former President Olusegun Obasanjo in Abeokuta to mark Lisabi Day.

In a Facebook post, Olayinka made it clear that any opposition led by Atiku would fail from the start. He humorously added, “If President Tinubu calls Atiku tomorrow and says, ‘Join APC, I’ll hand over to you in 2027,’ he’ll be in APC in no time.”

Also, Olayinka took a jibe at Atiku’s visit plans, inviting him to attend the Egungun Festival in Okemesi Ekiti next month, playfully reminding him not to forget to pay his respects there as well.