The Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Cross River, Arthur Archibong, has accepted Governor Bassey Otu’s challenge to a debate.

Mr Archibong said he was ready to debate Otu at any time and venue the governor chose, provided Otu attended personally.

The candidate spoke with journalists in Calabar on Tuesday, responding to a challenge by the commissioner for information, 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 flag bearer said he would not engage Mr Cobham in a war of words, describing the commissioner as his brother and stressing he was not on the ballot.

“Pastor Cobham is my brother. But he is not on the ballot, so I will not join issues with him,” he said.

Mr Cobham had earlier challenged the politician to publicly debate the Otu administration’s policies, programmes and performance ahead of the 2027 election.

Mr Archibong also defended Arthur Jarvis University, which he founded in Akpabuyo council area, against recent criticisms. He described the allegations as politically motivated, saying AJU was established to contribute to Cross River’s development.

He urged critics to focus instead on environmental sanitation, blocked drainages and emergency response, particularly the condition of Watt Market.

He said, “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, the blocked drainages, and traders selling beside refuse.”

Mr Archibong also alleged that inadequate resources were undermining emergency response, particularly the state fire service.

“Our firefighters have no diesel. Our fire trucks have no water. And when infernos like the one at SPAR Mall happened, we are left helpless,” he said.

The PDP candidate expressed sympathy for traders, workers and families affected by the recent fire at SPAR Shopping Mall in Calabar. He promised that his administration, if elected, would strengthen emergency response and provide firefighters with water, diesel and essential equipment.

Mr Archibong also questioned the economic benefits of the administration’s foreign investment trips and memoranda of understanding.

“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 stated.

Mr Archibong criticised what he described as Otu’s absence during crises, citing recent landslides and the SPAR Mall fire.

“When landslides claimed lives and destroyed properties, and when fire swept through our businesses like the recent SPAR Mall crisis, the presence of our governor is nowhere to be found,” he said.

Mr Archibong said educational support remained a personal commitment rather than an instrument for political advantage. He urged voters to make the 2027 election a contest based on ideas, records, competence and service rather than money, intimidation or violence.

(NAN)