The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Gombe State, Dr. Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna, has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over what he described as a coordinated online campaign aimed at tarnishing his image ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The petition, according to sources familiar with the matter, seeks an immediate investigation into allegations of cyberbullying, criminal defamation and the deliberate spread of false information against the APC candidate.
Sources disclosed that Gwamna asked the Nigeria Police National Cybercrime Centre to investigate several social media accounts accused of circulating claims that he was arrested and detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The APC governorship candidate reportedly denied the allegations and maintained that no such arrest or detention took place.
According to details contained in the petition, the publications were part of a wider effort to mislead members of the public and damage his reputation at a critical stage of the political process in Gombe State.
The petition further alleged that the online posts were carefully coordinated and designed to create a false narrative capable of influencing public perception ahead of the next election cycle.
Sources said Gwamna requested the involvement of the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), following intelligence reports suggesting that some individuals linked to the campaign may be operating from outside Nigeria.
The petition reportedly urged law enforcement agencies to trace the origin of the publications and identify those responsible for sponsoring and financing the alleged disinformation campaign.
It was also gathered that the APC candidate asked investigators to obtain digital evidence, including subscriber information and internet protocol logs, from Meta Platforms and other relevant technology companies.
The petition further called for the removal of the publications from social media platforms and the prosecution of anyone found culpable after investigations.
Confirming the development, Gwamnaâs spokesperson, Ibrahim Shawai, said the petition was formally submitted to the relevant authorities for necessary action.
He maintained that the allegations circulated online were false and intended to create confusion among members of the public.
According to him, the APC candidate remains focused on his political activities and would allow security agencies to carry out a thorough investigation into the matter.
Supporters of Gwamna also expressed confidence in the process, insisting that the truth would eventually emerge.
Several party loyalists described the online claims as an attempt to distract the APC candidate and weaken his growing political influence across the state.
They maintained that voters would ultimately assess candidates based on their records, leadership qualities and plans for the development of Gombe State.
However, as of the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Police Force had not issued an official statement on the petition.
The EFCC had also not publicly commented on the allegations referenced in the petition.
In a related development, Dr. Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna on May publicly reacted to his emergence as the APC consensus governorship candidate for the 2027 election.
The APC in Gombe State had announced Gwamna as its preferred governorship candidate after consultations among party stakeholders led by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.
Speaking shortly after the announcement, Gwamna called for unity within the party and urged members to focus on the future of the state.
âThis moment is not about an individual; it is about continuity of purpose and the collective aspiration to place Gombe first,â he said.
He also pledged to build on the achievements of the current APC administration in the state.
In another statement issued after securing the partyâs governorship ticket, Gwamna said his ambition was driven by a commitment to the people of Gombe State.
âGombe First is not just a slogan. It is a commitment to place the interest of Gombe people above all,â he stated.
The APC candidate further assured residents that he would pursue policies aimed at strengthening development, expanding opportunities and improving the welfare of citizens.
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