Liyel Imoke, a former governor of Cross River State and founding member of the people’s Democratic party (PDP) since 1999 , who before now has been the leader of the party in Cross River State has crossed to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Imoke who has been consistent by not jumping ship like Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Ameachi and other politicians in the country recently surprised many by joinning others at the national level of the alliance that has strengthened the ADC to unseat the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The former minister’s defection has been seen by many as a good move while some still criticised the path he seems to take ahead of 2027, owing to the fact that he’s one of the most influential political figures in the state.

Reacting to Imoke’s defection, the State PDP Chairman, Barr. Venatius Ikem, criticised the coalition, saying, “The same people who led and destroyed PDP are converging under a new name instead of rebuilding the Party! Don’t be misled.”

Ibok Solomon, former aide to former Governor Ben Ayade, said the decision is good for the state, with the APC trying to make the country a one-party state.

“This is a leader with a founder’s Ideology,” he said.

“It took him 26 years to stand on what he brought to the state. If he is shifting, it is not for the superficial politics of the day. To him, it is not the political platform that he belongs to that forms his decisions, but his integrity does.

“He is shifting the soul of Cross River politics. Preparing grounds for the state to have a political alternative.”

The social commentator added, “Once upon a time, it was all PDP, today, APC is standing, will it remain forever? What holds for the future and where will the State be?

“People will always set the stage, prepare the grounds and lay foundations upon which many come to build on.

“Sen. Liyel Imoke is best when the future of the state is requiring a new pathways. (BusinessDay)