By Sunday Ameh
The All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Gombe State, Dr. Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna, has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, alleging a coordinated campaign of cyberbullying, criminal defamation and fake news against him ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
According to the petition, Gwamna requested the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre to investigate the matter with the support of the International Criminal Police Organisation, citing intelligence that some of those allegedly behind the online campaign may be operating outside Nigeria.
The petition accused several social media accounts of circulating false claims that the APC governorship candidate had been arrested and detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. Gwamna denied the allegation, describing it as false and malicious.
He alleged that the publications formed part of a coordinated disinformation campaign aimed at damaging his reputation, misleading members of the public and influencing public perception ahead of the governorship poll.
The petitioner urged the police to obtain subscriber information, IP logs and other digital evidence from Meta Platforms to identify those responsible. He also sought the identification and prosecution of the alleged sponsors and financiers of the campaign, as well as the removal of the disputed publications.
The petition comes as political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Gombe State, with political actors intensifying consultations and grassroots mobilisation.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Police Force had yet to issue an official statement on the petition. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had also not commented on the allegations referenced in the petition.
Efforts to obtain reactions from the individuals or social media accounts named in the petition were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
The outcome of the police investigation, if commenced, is expected to determine the authenticity of the allegations and establish whether any criminal offences were committed in connection with the reported online publications.
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