Dr. Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna, the governorship candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State, has formally requested that the Inspector-General of Police examine a series of alleged cyberbullying and defamation incidents. He asserts that these malicious digital campaigns are designed to tarnish his image before the 2027 gubernatorial election.
Insiders report that Gwamna requested assistance from the Nigeria Police National Cybercrime Centre and INTERPOL, as evidence suggests some perpetrators may be located abroad. The petition highlights specific social media accounts that falsely claimed the EFCC had detained the candidate. Gwamna maintains these accusations are entirely fabricated.
The petition describes these posts as a systematic effort to misguide voters and erode public trust in his candidacy. It calls on the police to secure digital records, such as IP logs and subscriber data from Meta, to trace and prosecute those responsible while ensuring the removal of the false content.
Political analysts observe that this action highlights the rising anxiety regarding misinformation in Nigerian elections. While Gwamna’s influence in Gombe has grown, this also marks him as a target for digital interference. His supporters remain firm, asserting that the investigation will expose his detractors and that voters will prioritize candidate integrity over smear tactics. As of now, neither the police nor the EFCC have commented on the matter.
