By Frank Ulom
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – It is no longer news that former Governor Liyel Imoke has joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) an event that threw the nation’s political space into a frenzy.
Imoke, who before now has been the eternal leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State, joined 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.”
Inok 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. The Political Avatar.
“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,” Ibok said.
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 pathway.”
Another public analyst, Ushie-Ogar Boniface Ekungitungre, suggested that Imoke should even be the Vice President.
“The Chism is now real. Particularly, I am interested in the way His Excellency, Sen. Liyel Imoke plays his politics. He is one of the dedicated PDP statesmen in Cross River State and a devoted supporter of Atiku’s presidency. He has always stood with the party and even when his colleagues, as Governors and when out of office, left for the APC, Liyel remained in the PDP.
“If the cards were turned, Liyel should be named a Vice President to any presidential candidate. His popularity isn’t much felt in the country but he is a loyal supporter of any movement he believes in.
I also pray that these men should try to induct young men into their fold via training. I know Liyel has a training program for young people, but it is not the same as what I have in mind. See the introduction of Beta Edu and Sen. Ekpenyong by Ayade into the national political grid, I can’t point to one young person who had such an opportunity during Duke and Liyel.
“This is not a criticism of rubbish but a point to state the obvious. However, Liyel is one of my most cherished and admired Governors of Cross River State,” he said.
The question now is whether he will still remain relevant following his defection.
