CALABAR — The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Cross River State, Sir Arthur Javis Archibong, has accepted Governor Bassey Otu’s challenge to a public debate ahead of the 2027 governorship election .
Archibong, who spoke with journalists in Calabar on Tuesday, said he was prepared to participate in the debate at any time and venue chosen by the governor, but insisted on one condition .
CDA News Nigeria gathered that the debate challenge was initially issued by the state Commissioner for Information, Pastor Ekpenyong Cobham . Archibong, however, declined to engage the commissioner in a war of words.
“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,” Archibong stated .
“Pastor Cobham is my brother. But he is not on the ballot, so I will not join issues with him,” he added .
CDA News Nigeria reports that Archibong criticised the Otu administration’s handling of recent crises, including landslides and the SPAR Shopping Mall fire in Calabar. He also questioned the government’s frequent foreign trips and Memoranda of Understanding, demanding to see tangible results .
“Government keeps going out for MoUs, but Cross Riverians are yet to see the dividends. Where are the factories? Where are the jobs?” he asked .
The PDP candidate also defended Arthur Jarvis University, which he founded, against recent criticisms . He promised that, if elected, his administration would strengthen emergency response and equip the state fire service with necessary resources .
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