The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State has chosen Sir Arthur Jarvis Archibong, proprietor of Arthur Jarvis University, as its governorship candidate for the 2027 general elections.
Archibong emerged after the party conducted a direct primary across the three senatorial districts of the state, in an exercise that party officials described as peaceful and highly decisive.
With the development, Archibong will fly the PDP flag against incumbent Governor Bassey Otu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 governorship election.
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The primary, which was supervised by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies, recorded overwhelming support for the candidate.
Chairman of the Electoral Committee and Presiding Officer, Dr. Clinton Chika, announced that out of 10,133 accredited card-carrying members, 10,130 voted in favour of Archibong.
Citing the party's constitution and the 2026 electoral guidelines, Chika declared: "Therefore, having scored the highest votes as earlier mentioned, 10,130, I have the honour as the Chairman of the 2026 Gubernatorial Election Primaries here in Cross River State to declare Sir Arthur Jarvis Archibong as the candidate of PDP to fly the party ticket in 2027."
In his acceptance speech, Archibong pledged to reclaim the Cross River Government House for the PDP and promised to run a focused, people-driven administration.
He also said he would respect the state's zoning arrangement by serving only a single four-year term if elected governor.
"We have just four years. It'll be a curse, it won't be proper for us to stay a day after four years," he said.
Archibong added that governance impact could be achieved quickly with proper planning and execution, stressing that his campaign would be centred on the people rather than party divisions.
State PDP chairman, Venatius Ikem, expressed confidence in the party's chances in 2027, saying the PDP was determined to reclaim the state.
"Last time we didn't get it, but this time, I think God has destined it that we get it right," he said, urging members to remain united and committed.
Board of Trustees Chairman and former Deputy Governor, Barr. Efiok Cobham, also described the primary as peaceful, noting that teamwork would be key to electoral success.
"As a football fan, big names don't win matches but good teams do," he said.
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He added that Archibong's background in business and education positioned him well for leadership ahead of the 2027 polls.
