PDP candidate accepts debate challenge, calls Otu 'absentee governor'

Arthur Jarvis Archibong, the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Cross River State, has accepted a challenge to debate incumbent Governor Bassey Otu ahead of the 2027 election, while intensifying his criticism of the governor's frequent absences from the state. Archibong stated on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, in Calabar that he would participate in a debate at any time and venue, on the condition that Governor Otu attends in person. The challenge was issued by the state Commissioner for Information, Ekpenyong Cobham. In response, Archibong said he would not engage in a verbal exchange with the commissioner. "Pastor Cobham is my brother.