Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate in Cross River State, Arthur-Javis Archibong, has accepted Governor Bassey Otu’s challenge to a public debate.
Archibong said he was ready to debate Otu at any time and venue chosen by the governor but insisted that Otu must personally attend the engagement.
The PDP candidate made the statement on Tuesday while speaking with journalists in Calabar, in response to a debate challenge issued by the state Commissioner for Information, Ekpenyong Cobham.
Archibong said the people of Cross River deserved an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates seeking to lead the state rather than through representatives.
“I am willing to honour the challenge to a debate, on one condition: that Governor Bassey Otu will be there in person. The people deserve to hear directly from those seeking to lead them, not from proxies,” he said.
The PDP candidate said he would not engage the commissioner in a political exchange, describing Cobham as his brother but pointing out that he was not a candidate in the 2027 governorship election.
“Pastor Cobham is my brother. But he is not on the ballot, so I will not join issues with him,” Archibong said.
Archibong also criticized the Otu administration over its handling of recent challenges in the state, including landslides and the fire incident at the SPAR Shopping Mall in Calabar.
He questioned the government’s frequent foreign trips and the signing of Memoranda of Understanding, MoUs, asking the administration to provide evidence of how such agreements had translated into projects, employment and economic opportunities for residents. “Government keeps going out for MoUs, but Cross Riverians are yet to see the dividends,” he said.
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The PDP candidate challenged the government to show how many of the agreements had resulted in successful projects capable of addressing the economic difficulties facing residents.
“After so many MoUs, show me how many have translated to successful projects that are addressing the pitiful situation of this state. Where are the factories? Where are the jobs? Where is the relief for the ordinary man?” he asked.
Archibong also expressed sympathy for traders, workers and business owners affected by the SPAR shopping mall fire.
He promised that if elected governor, his administration would strengthen the state’s emergency response system and provide the fire service with adequate water, diesel and other essential equipment.
The PDP candidate also defended Arthur Jarvis University, which he founded, against recent criticism, arguing that the institution had continued to contribute to the state through employment opportunities and education.
“All sorts of things have been said about Arthur Jarvis University. Funnily enough, the last I heard of bed bugs was in my childhood when we slept on straw beds,” he said.
Archibong urged his critics to focus on what he described as more pressing challenges confronting Cross River, including poor sanitation, blocked drainage systems and inadequate emergency response.
He said the state needed leadership that was physically present, responsive to residents and accountable for its decisions.
“Cross River deserves a governor who will not govern from a distance or by proxy. Our people deserve leadership that shows up, listens, and delivers. That is the covenant I offer the people of Cross River in 2027,” he added.
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