The Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Cross River State, Arthur-Jarvis Archibong, has denied allegations that he has a criminal record, describing the claims as an attempt to damage his reputation ahead of the 2027 election.
Archibong spoke with journalists in Calabar on Wednesday while reacting to an advertorial which he alleged was linked to the Cross River State Government and questioned his character.
The PDP candidate challenged anyone with evidence of criminal wrongdoing against him to make it public, insisting that he had no criminal record anywhere in Nigeria.
Archibong also alleged that the publication was aimed at undermining his political standing as his campaign gains attention across the state’s three senatorial districts.
He accused the state government of using personality attacks instead of focusing on issues of governance and development. He further alleged that the administration was planning to deploy cult groups to cause violence before, during and after the 2027 elections.
The allegation of a planned cult-related violence was, however, rejected by the All Progressives Congress in the state.
APC Publicity Secretary, Emmanuel Inyang, dismissed Archibong’s claim as baseless and said the party remained focused on presenting its record in government to voters.
Inyang also accused the PDP of making allegations because, according to him, the opposition party was not prepared to face the electorate.
The exchange comes as political activities intensify in Cross River ahead of the 2027 governorship election, with both parties trading accusations over the state government’s record and the conduct of the emerging campaign.
