Gwamna Petitions IGP, Seeks INTERPOL Probe Over Alleged Cyberbullying, Fake News Campaign

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Gombe State, Dr. Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna, has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), requesting an investigation by the Nigeria Police National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC), with the involvement of INTERPOL, over an alleged coordinated campaign of cyberbullying, criminal defamation and fake news targeting him ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Sources familiar with the petition disclosed that Gwamna sought an immediate investigation following intelligence reports indicating that some of those behind the alleged online attacks may be operating from outside Nigeria.

According to the sources, the petition identified several social media accounts accused of publishing false claims that the APC governorship candidate had been arrested and detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), allegations Gwamna categorically denied.

The petition described the publications as a deliberate and coordinated disinformation campaign allegedly designed to mislead the public, damage his reputation and manipulate public perception at a time when his political profile and grassroots support are expanding across Gombe State.

Gwamna also urged the Police to obtain subscriber information, IP logs and other digital evidence from Meta Platforms, trace the origin of the publications, identify their sponsors and financiers, prosecute all those found culpable, and facilitate the removal of the alleged defamatory content.

Political observers say the petition underscores the growing use of cyberbullying, misinformation and digital disinformation as political competition intensifies ahead of the 2027 Gombe governorship election.

Analysts note that Gwamna’s emergence as one of the leading contenders has altered the political dynamics in the state, with his growing acceptance across different constituencies reportedly unsettling some political opponents.

Rather than engaging in issue-based campaigns centred on governance and development, critics argue that some political actors have increasingly turned to misinformation and character assassination in an attempt to erode his rising political momentum.

Supporters of the APC candidate expressed confidence that the investigation would expose those allegedly behind what they described as an organised smear campaign, insisting that the electorate would ultimately judge candidates on competence, integrity and their vision for Gombe State.

At the time of filing this report, neither the Nigeria Police Force nor the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had issued an official response to the petition.