A grassroots political network, Neighbor 2 Neighbor 4 Sweet Prince, has expressed reservations about the preparedness of the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Cross River State, Sir Arthur Jarvis Archibong, to govern the state.
The group, led by its Director-General, Dr Bobby Effiom Ekpenyong, stated this on Tuesday during a world press conference at the Ernest Etim-Bassey Press Centre, Calabar.
It urged voters to critically examine the records, credentials, policy priorities and governing capacity of the candidates before the 2027 election.
The group 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, noted that the views reflected opinions encountered during the engagements and should not be interpreted as a scientific representation of every resident’s position.
The group said anyone seeking to govern Cross River must be prepared to address questions concerning leadership experience, economic development, infrastructure, security, healthcare, education and equitable distribution of public resources.
It added that the state needs 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, however, endorsed Governor Bassey Edet Otu for a second term, citing his scorecard and policy direction.
It said the forthcoming election presents an opportunity for the electorate to endorse Otu’s leadership, consolidate the gains recorded and enable him to complete the work he has begun.
“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,” it said.
The group also called for peaceful, issue-based campaigns ahead of 2027, warning against electoral violence and voter suppression.
