As the political landscape heats up ahead of the 2027 general elections, Arthur-Javis Archibong, the governorship candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State, has publicly accepted a challenge to debate the incumbent Governor Bassey Otu. Archibong expressed his willingness to engage in an open debate, emphasizing that the governor must be present in person for the discussion to take place.

Archibong made this declaration during a press briefing in Calabar on Tuesday, responding to a challenge issued by the state’s Commissioner for Information, Ekpenyong Cobham. He stated, "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."

The PDP candidate refrained from engaging in a verbal conflict with Cobham, whom he referred to as a brother, but made it clear that the commissioner was not a candidate in the upcoming elections. "Pastor Cobham is my brother. But he is not on the ballot, so I will not join issues with him," Archibong noted.

In addition to accepting the debate challenge, Archibong took the opportunity to critique the current administration's handling of recent crises in Cross River, including landslides and a fire incident at the SPAR Shopping Mall in Calabar. He questioned the effectiveness of the government's numerous foreign trips and the signing of various Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), demanding accountability on how these agreements have benefitted the people of Cross River.

"Government keeps going out for MoUs, but Cross Riverians are yet to see the dividends. 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 his sympathy for the traders, workers, and business owners affected by the recent fire at the SPAR Shopping Mall. He promised that if elected, his administration would prioritize strengthening emergency response systems and adequately equipping the state fire service with essential resources.

Furthermore, he defended the Arthur Jarvis University, which he founded, against recent criticisms, asserting that the institution has positively contributed to the state through job creation and educational opportunities. "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 remarked.

Archibong urged critics to focus on pressing issues facing Cross River, such as poor sanitation, blocked drainage systems, and inadequate emergency responses. He concluded by asserting that the people of Cross River deserve a leader who is present, accountable, and dedicated to addressing their needs. "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 stated.