Arthur Jarvis Archibong accepts debate challenge from Cross River Governor

Arthur Jarvis Archibong, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for Cross River State, has accepted a challenge to engage in an open debate with Governor Bassey Otu ahead of the 2027 elections. Archibong stated he is willing to debate at any time and venue chosen by the governor, on the condition that Otu attends in person rather than through a proxy.

The challenge was originally issued by the State Commissioner for Information, Ekpenyong Cobham. Archibong noted that while he considers Cobham a brother, he will not engage in verbal disputes with him because the commissioner is not on the ballot.

During his response, Archibong criticized the current administration's performance, specifically citing inadequate resources for the state fire service and poor environmental sanitation at Watt Market. He also questioned the effectiveness of the government's various Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), asking for evidence of how these agreements have translated into tangible jobs and economic opportunities for the citizens of Cross River.