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.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar paid a Sallah visit to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday at his Daura residence in Katsina State, accompanied by a group of high-profile politicians.

Atiku said the visit was purely a show of respect and goodwill for the Eid celebration, not a political move.

The meeting has sparked interest, especially with the 2027 elections drawing closer, but Atiku dismissed any talks of political motives or coalition plans.

“We came to greet President Buhari for Sallah. Nothing more,” he told reporters.

Among those in the delegation were former Kaduna and Sokoto governors, Nasir El-Rufai and Aminu Tambuwal, along with other notable figures.

Atiku also explained the delay in his visit, saying he was attending to duties in Adamawa, where he stood in for the Lamido of Adamawa during the celebrations.

Despite speculations, he emphasized that the visit had no ties to 2027 politics.

“It’s simply about showing respect and sharing in the joy of the season,” he added.