From Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
A grassroots political network, Neighbour 2 Neighbour 4 Sweet Prince, has criticised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Cross River State, Sir Arthur Jarvis Archibong, questioning his preparedness to govern the state ahead of the 2027 elections.
The group, a network of grassroots supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC), made its position known on Tuesday during a news conference in Calabar.
Speaking through its Director-General, Dr Bobby Effiom Ekpenyong, the group urged voters to carefully examine the records, credentials, policy priorities and governing capacity of candidates before casting their votes in 2027.
Neighbour 2 Neighbour said its position followed a statewide tour of the 18 local government areas, which began on August 23, 2026, to assess governance and engage residents.
“Some respondents expressed reservations about the governorship ambition of Sir Arthur Jarvis Archibong.
“Their concerns centred on whether he possesses the experience and administrative capacity required to govern a state as complex as Cross River,” Ekpenyong said.
He, however, clarified that the views reflected opinions gathered during the group’s engagements and should not be regarded as a scientific representation of the positions of all residents.
The group added that anyone seeking to govern Cross River State should be prepared to address critical issues, including leadership experience, economic development, infrastructure, security, healthcare, education and the equitable distribution of public resources.
It said the state needed leadership capable of uniting its three senatorial districts, attracting investment, strengthening institutions and creating opportunities for its growing population.
“We have reservations about the preparedness of Sir Arthur Jarvis Archibong to assume the enormous responsibility of governing a diverse state such as Cross River,” Ekpenyong said.
“The demands of the office require a combination of political experience, administrative competence, strategic vision and the capacity to navigate the complexities of governance.”
The group also endorsed Governor Bassey Edet Otu for a second term, citing his record in office and policy direction.
It said the 2027 election would provide an opportunity for voters to decide whether to support Otu’s leadership and allow him to continue implementing his administration’s programmes.
“We stand with the Sweet Prince and the vision of continuity, consolidation and sustained development. Cross River State must build on the foundations already laid rather than risk losing the momentum of its ongoing transformation,” the group said.