The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Cross River State, Sir Arthur Javis Archibong, has accepted a challenge to debate Governor Bassey Otu ahead of the 2027 election, insisting that the governor must attend in person.

Archibong, who spoke with journalists in Calabar on Tuesday, said he was responding to a challenge issued by the Commissioner for Information, Pastor Ekpenyong Cobham.

“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 war of words, describing Cobham as his brother but stressing that he was not a candidate in the election.

Archibong also defended Arthur Jarvis University (AJU), located in Akpabuyo Local Government Area, against recent criticisms of the institution, describing the attacks as politically motivated.

He said the university was established to contribute to Cross River’s development through education and employment, challenging critics to point to similar investments they had made in the state.

“Instead of chasing imaginary bedbugs in Akpabuyo, they should come and see the real crisis in Watt Market. Go there today and see the filth, the stench and the blocked drainages,” he said.

Archibong said government attention should instead focus on critical infrastructure and emergency response, particularly the state fire service.

He expressed sympathy for traders and workers affected by the recent fire at SPAR Shopping Mall in Calabar, saying the incident exposed weaknesses in the state’s emergency response system.

“As a businessman myself, I know the pain of watching years of sweat and sacrifice turn to ashes overnight,” he said, promising that his administration would equip the fire service with adequate water, diesel and other tools if elected.

The PDP candidate also questioned the benefits of the Otu administration’s investment drives and memoranda of understanding, saying Cross Riverians needed to see tangible outcomes in the form of jobs, businesses and improved living conditions.

“Government keeps going out for MoUs, but Cross Riverians are yet to see the dividends. Where are the factories? Where are the jobs? Where is the relief for the ordinary man?” he asked.

On the 2027 election, Archibong said the contest should be based on ideas, records and competence rather than intimidation, thuggery or money politics.

He also criticised what he described as the governor’s absence during crises, including landslides and the SPAR Mall fire.

“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,” Archibong said.

He urged the electorate to assess the candidates based on their records and plans for the state, insisting that the 2027 contest should provide an opportunity for Cross Riverians to make an informed choice.