The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Arthur Jarvis Archibong, has raised the alarm over what he claimed is a plot to deploy cult groups to unleash violence before, during and after the 2027 elections.
He spoke to journalists in Calabar when he reacted to an advertorial which alleged that he had criminal records. He had earlier debunked the allegation and challenged anyone with any records against him to come up with such.
He maintained that the state government has laid out plans to unleash violence as election campaigns set in.
“We are aware that this government is planning unprecedented violence through cultism before, during, and after elections, but we are not afraid because God is our shield and buckler,” he said.
Insisting that his campaign remained anchored on issues rather than personal attacks, he advised the ruling party to campaign with issues and desist from confrontation.
Archibong accused the government and its supporters of pioneering what he called damaging personality politics in the state, and cautioned that any reaction from his camp would merely be a response to the administration’s provocation.
“He who sows the wind reaps the whirlwind,” he warned.
Reacting, the APC state publicity secretary, Mr Emmanuel Inyang, denied that there was a plot to sponsor cult violence during the general election, saying the PDP’s allegation is baseless.
He dismissed Archibong’s claims as the handiwork of a party unprepared to face the electorate.
According to him, Cross River residents remain loyal to the APC on account of the good governance delivered over the past three years.
Inyang said the PDP is not prepared to face the people, advising that the opposition party should get ready to face the ultimate defeat at the polls.
