Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the 2027 election in Cross River State, Sir Arthur Jarvis Archibong, has criticised the Governor Bassey Otu-led administration, accusing it of allowing the state to slide further in development and living standards.
Archibong made the remarks in a strongly worded video message to Cross Riverians, where he assessed the performance of the present administration and questioned what the people have to show after years of governance.
According to him, the current administration has watched Cross River “slide to the bottom in the committee of states,” while the state has become one of the worst places to live in Nigeria.
“These are the same adults who have watched Cross River slide to the bottom in the committee of states,” Archibong said, while responding to arguments about experience and political maturity in governance.
The PDP candidate said the issue should not be about who is an “adult” or “baby” in politics, but about what those entrusted with power have actually achieved for the people.
He questioned the impact of increased federal allocations and internally generated revenue on the lives of ordinary Cross Riverians, arguing that the state continues to face challenges in infrastructure, electricity, employment and basic amenities.
Archibong said many communities remain without adequate electricity and other essential infrastructure, while residents continue to struggle with hardship and poverty.
He also criticised the condition of major markets in Calabar, particularly Watt and Marian markets, saying their deteriorating conditions have created difficulties for motorists and raised concerns about the health and wellbeing of residents.
The PDP candidate further lamented what he described as the decline of Calabar's once-renowned reputation for cleanliness, saying the city has been allowed to become increasingly dirty.
Archibong argued that Cross River has enormous potential but needs leadership capable of converting its resources into tangible economic opportunities for its people.
He said governance should be measured by functional hospitals, working schools, accessible roads, electricity, job creation and support for businesses rather than political speeches and promises.
The PDP candidate also challenged the argument that those seeking to govern Cross River must first have conventional political antecedents, saying entrepreneurship and the ability to build successful enterprises should also count as leadership experience.
“Political office is not a job, sir. It is a trust given by the people,” Archibong said.
He maintained that when that trust is abused, voters have the democratic responsibility to withdraw their mandate.
Archibong urged Cross Riverians to pay closer attention to the records of political leaders as the 2027 election approaches, saying voters should look beyond campaign rhetoric and political mobilisation.
He said the state cannot afford another cycle of promises without corresponding results, insisting that Cross River needs a government focused on development, job creation, infrastructure and improved living conditions.
Archibong's remarks form part of his growing criticism of the Otu administration as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
He ended his message by calling on Cross Riverians to reclaim their dignity and future, declaring that the people have endured enough and should demand a government capable of delivering meaningful transformation.
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