The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) has officially distanced itself from a viral document falsely attributed to its Secretary, Major General AM Jibril (Rtd), which purported to endorse the Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso joint ticket for the 2027 presidential election.
In a statement released on Friday, August 7, and signed by Okeh Juliet, the Board's Head of Press and Public Relations, the CDCFIB described the document titled "Important Public Announcement" as entirely fabricated. The Board clarified that neither the document nor its contents originated from its office or from the Office of the Secretary to the Board.
Fake Document Contained Political Undertones
The purported statement, which circulated widely on social media, claimed that the CDCFIB had thrown its weight behind the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket. Both politicians are prominent figures in the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), with Obi leading the passionate 'Obidient' movement and Kwankwaso driving the 'Kwankwasiyya' movement. Their combined followerships represent a significant political bloc, making the fake endorsement particularly damaging.
The Board's rebuttal was unequivocal, labeling the NDC-related content as "false" and "unauthorised." It stressed that the document contained political undertones that are inconsistent with its official, non-partisan communication standards. Members of the public were urged to disregard the fake announcement in its entirety.
CDCFIB Reaffirms Commitment to Transparency
Beyond the rebuttal, the CDCFIB used the opportunity to highlight the ongoing reforms within the Ministry of Interior under Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. The Board praised the Minister's tenure as one focused on institutional reform, transparency, innovation, and improved service delivery across all agencies under the Ministry's supervision.
The statement emphasised that the Minister's commitment to professionalism and citizen-centred governance remains directed at strengthening Nigeria's internal security architecture and building public confidence in its services. This context underscores why the fake endorsement was particularly troubling, as it sought to politicise a non-partisan government body.
Public Urged to Use Official Channels
Applicants and members of the public were strongly advised to consult only the CDCFIB's official communication channels when seeking authentic information about its recruitment exercise or any other activities. The Board expressed appreciation for the public's understanding and cooperation in this matter.
This warning comes amid an ongoing recruitment exercise by the CDCFIB, which has already seen the Federal Government announce requirements for applicants before shortlisting, as well as the release of approved physical verification centres for immigration and fire service screening. The Board has also announced new employment vacancies in the Fire Service, with application links emerging.
Threat of Prosecution for Fake News Spreaders
In a related development, Legit.ng previously reported that the CDCFIB had released a strong public notice warning against the spread of false information about its recruitment exercise. The Board stressed that offenders risk criminal prosecution if found guilty of circulating misleading content.
According to that earlier statement, the CDCFIB observed a surge of fake updates on social media platforms. These false claims, the Board noted, are undermining the hopes of genuine applicants. The latest incident involving the fake political endorsement further illustrates the dangers of misinformation, especially during sensitive periods like recruitment drives.
Background: Obi and Kwankwaso's Political Alliance
Peter Obi, the former Governor of Anambra State, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, a former Governor of Kano State, have been in discussions about forming a formidable alliance ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Both leaders command significant grassroots support, with Obi's 'Obidient' movement resonating strongly with younger voters and Kwankwaso's 'Kwankwasiyya' movement holding sway in the North-West.
The NDC, a relatively new political platform, aims to challenge the dominance of the two major parties. Any endorsement from a government body like the CDCFIB would have been highly controversial, given its non-partisan mandate. The Board's swift denial is a clear attempt to prevent political manipulation of its image.
Implications for Public Trust
The circulation of such fake documents raises serious concerns about the integrity of information in Nigeria's digital space. The CDCFIB's response, while firm, highlights the challenges government institutions face in combating misinformation. The Board's emphasis on transparency and its call for the public to rely solely on official channels is a step toward rebuilding trust.
As the 2027 election cycle begins to heat up, similar attempts to drag government agencies into political controversies are likely. The CDCFIB's handling of this incident sets a precedent for how other institutions might respond to fake endorsements or statements.
In the meantime, the public is advised to remain vigilant and verify any information attributed to government bodies through official sources. The CDCFIB's recruitment exercise continues, and applicants are encouraged to follow only the Board's verified announcements to avoid falling victim to scams or misinformation.
