Public affairs commentators have hailed the decision of former governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke, to leave the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the alliance that has strengthened the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

They argue that his defection will help usher in a viable political alternative in the state.

Commenting on his social media page, public analyst Inok Solomon described Imoke as a leader with a founding ideology, asserting that his political platform is secondary to his integrity.

He noted that the ADC has become a credible alternative and a new pathway for governance.

According to him: “Sen. Liyel Imoke is best when the future of the state requires a new pathway.

“If he is shifting, it is not for the superficial politics of the day. To him, it is not the political platform he belongs to that shapes his decisions, but his integrity does.

“He is shifting the soul of Cross River politics and preparing the ground for the state to have a political alternative.”

Also reacting to Imoke’s move to join the coalition, another analyst, Mkymbe Ogoja, said: “I don’t know why some people are afraid of alternatives.

“If you are delivering the dividends, why oppose alternatives? If you are suggesting automatic tickets, then this alternative from Sen. Imoke should be the platform for those who may wish to test their own popularity.

“Already, we hear the APC and PDP in Cross River are settling for automatic tickets. So, Imoke’s import of ADC offers the alternative.”

Cuthbert Ofere, another commentator, applauded Imoke’s decision to join the coalition, assuring that wherever he goes, his faithful followers will follow.

However, a former member of the House of Representatives, Bishop Alex Ukam, who represented the Akamkpa/Biase Federal Constituency, said those from the state joining the coalition are making a mistake.

Ukam said: “The coalition is dead on arrival. They cannot withstand the national ruling party, the All Progressives Congress, APC.”

He argued that the coalition is made up of individuals who contributed to the collapse of the PDP, and as such, cannot perform any miracle to survive politically.

Ukam maintained that the APC is swallowing all other parties in the state and will likewise swallow the coalition.

Liyel Imoke’s move to coalition welcome in Cross River – Analysts