The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Cross River State, Sir Arthur Jarvis Archibong, has thrown down the gauntlet to his traducers, declaring that his record in public service is without blemish and daring anyone with proof of criminal wrongdoing against him to come forward or forever hold their peace.
Archibong, fielding questions from newsmen in Calabar on Wednesday, was responding to a recent advertorial he alleged was linked to the state government, which he described as a calculated attempt to smear his reputation ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
“I dare anyone with criminal records against me to make them public or forever remain silent.
“I am an honest, clean, and hardworking citizen of Cross River State in particular and Nigeria at large.
“I have no criminal records on any matter, anywhere in Nigeria,” he said.
The PDP candidate alleged that the advertorial was orchestrated to counter his growing popularity across the state’s three senatorial districts, framing it as evidence of the administration’s desperation amid what he described as widespread public dissatisfaction with its performance.
He accused the government of maladministration, alleging it had failed to provide adequate infrastructure and human development for the people of Cross River.
Archibong went further, alleging that the advertorial laid bare “the odious and evil fabric” of the administration, which he accused of promoting cultism and syncretism.
He also raised alarm over what he claimed was a plot to deploy cult groups to unleash violence before, during and after the 2027 elections.
“We are aware that this government is planning unprecedented violence through cultism before, during, and after elections, but we are not afraid because God is our shield and buckler,” he said.
Insisting that his campaign remained anchored on issues rather than personal attacks, Archibong accused the government and its supporters of pioneering what he called damaging personality politics in the state, and cautioned that any reaction from his camp would merely be a response to the administration’s provocation.
“He who sows the wind reaps the whirlwind,” he warned.
Reacting, the All Progressives Congress (APC) swiftly dismissed the cultism-violence allegation as baseless.
The party’s state publicity secretary, Mr Emmanuel Inyang, said Cross River residents had remained loyal to the APC on account of the good governance delivered over the past three years.
He dismissed Archibong’s claims as the handiwork of a party unprepared to face the electorate.
According to him, “The allegation is from a party that is not prepared to face the people,” adding that the PDP should get ready to face the ultimate defeat that lay ahead of it.
