The Cross River chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has produced businessman and Chancellor, Arthur Javis Archibong to challenge incumbent governor, Bassey Otu in the 2027 governorship election.
The primaries which were held on Sunday, 24 May, 2026 in Calabar saw former deputy governor, Efiok Cobras and other party leaders line up to support him, while describing him as the person to challenge Otu and reclaim the state for PDP.
Earlier, Barr. Cobhom in addressing party members, assured that the party “had overcome its internal challenges and was gradually rebuilding its political strength in the state.”
He asserted that, “Courage is not the absence of fear, but triumph over fear. “Big names don’t win matches, good teams do. We are not going into this election because we want to go to elections; we are going into this election because we want to win.”
He further stated,”We have haemorrhaged enough, but we have stopped haemorrhaging. We have started living again and very soon we will grow.”
Accepting the challenge, Arthur Javis thanked party leaders for choosing him, promising that he is ready for the challenge but appealed to party members to unite and embrace peace.
