Gwamna petitions IGP, seeks INTERPOL probe over alleged fake news campaign

Dr. Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna, the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate in Gombe State, has filed a formal petition with the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) demanding an investigation into an alleged coordinated campaign of cyberbullying, criminal defamation and fake news. The petition alleges that these actions are designed to tarnish Gwamna's reputation ahead of the 2027 governorship election. According to sources close to the case, Gwamna has asked the Nigeria Police National Cybercrime Centre to conduct the inquiry, with assistance from INTERPOL, after intelligence suggested that some individuals behind the online attacks might be operating from abroad. The petition outlines specific instances of alleged misconduct, including the publication of false claims that Gwamna had been arrested and detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Gwamna has categorically denied these allegations, calling them baseless and misleading. The documents submitted with the petition indicate that the targeted social media accounts have disseminated content that purported to expose him in a negative light, with the aim of influencing public sentiment against him. In addition to seeking legal action, Gwamna has requested that the police obtain subscriber data, IP logs and other digital evidence from Meta Platforms. These measures are intended to trace the originators of the posts and hold them accountable under the law. The petition also calls for the removal of the disputed content from online platforms to prevent further spread of what it describes as a deliberate disinformation strategy. Political analysts suggest that Gwamna’s decision to file the petition underscores broader anxieties about the role of misinformation in contemporary Nigerian politics. As the 2027 elections approach, there is increasing concern about how online campaigns can shape public discourse and affect electoral outcomes. Some observers point to Gwamna’s rising prominence in the state’s political arena as a factor contributing to heightened scrutiny of his activities and personal life. Gwamna’s supporters have voiced optimism that the ongoing investigation will uncover the truth behind the alleged smear campaign. They argue that voters should evaluate candidates based on their qualifications and policies rather than unsubstantiated claims. This stance aligns with a wider trend among political figures who are increasingly leveraging legal avenues to combat what they perceive as unfair attacks on their reputations. So far, neither the Nigeria Police Force nor the EFCC has released an official response to the petition. This silence has left many questions unanswered, particularly regarding the extent of the alleged campaign and the potential involvement of foreign actors. While the situation remains under active review, the absence of a public statement has fueled speculation about the seriousness of the allegations and the likelihood of a swift resolution.