A viral claim circulating on social media alleges that the judge who declared President Bola Tinubu the winner of the 2023 presidential election lost his eyesight after undergoing eye surgery in London, United Kingdom. However, fact-checkers have debunked the story, revealing that the claim is entirely false and based on a misidentified individual.
Origin of the False Claim
The claim was posted by a Facebook page called I News, which stated that “Justice Tsamma Abubakar,” the judge who declared Tinubu the winner, had gone blind. The post alleged that complications during eye surgery at a specialist hospital in London resulted in complete blindness. The message read: “Breaking News: Judge Tsamma Abubakar, who declared Tinubu the winner in the 2023 presidential election, reportedly went blind in a London hospital after undergoing eye surgery.”
Fact-Checking Reveals No Such Judge
Dubawa, a Nigerian fact-checking platform, investigated the claim and discovered that the photograph attached to the viral post was actually that of Ghana’s former Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. Furthermore, no judge named “Tsamma Abubakar” served on any of the panels that handled the 2023 presidential election petitions.
The seven-member panel of the Supreme Court that heard the election appeal consisted of Justices Inyang Okoro, Adamu Jauro, Uwani Musa Abba Aji, Lawal Garba, I.N. Saulawa, Tijjani Abubakar, and Emmanuel Agim. The Court of Appeal panel, which also handled election petitions, included Justice Haruna Tsammani, Justice Stephen Adah, Justice Misitura Bolaji-Yusuf, Justice Boloukuoromo Ugoh, and Justice Abba Mohammed. None of these names match the fabricated “Tsamma Abubakar.”
Likely Distortion of Justice Haruna Tsammani
The viral claim likely distorted the name of Justice Haruna Simon Tsammani, who chaired the 2023 Presidential Election Petition Court. By altering his name to “Tsamma Abubakar,” the false story gained traction on social media. However, there is no evidence that Justice Tsammani or any other judge involved in the election petitions suffered blindness after surgery.
Conclusion: Claim Is False
The claim that the judge who declared President Bola Tinubu the winner of the 2023 presidential election lost his eyesight after surgery is completely false. There is no official statement, report from a credible news platform, or any evidence to support the allegation. Fact-checkers have confirmed that the photograph used in the post is of a Ghanaian chief justice, and no judge by the fabricated name served on the election petition panels.
Related Context: 2027 Election Predictions
In a separate development, Oba Rilwan Akiolu expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s victory in the 2027 presidential election, calling for a peaceful electoral process. Prominent presidential candidates expected to contest include Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Adewole Adebayo, and Omoyele Sowore.
Primate Babatunde Elijah Ayodele also issued warnings about potential political turmoil for President Tinubu and the upcoming 2027 elections, highlighting ongoing issues of banditry and security challenges. However, these prophecies do not relate to the false blindness claim.
Readers are advised to verify information from credible sources before sharing, as misinformation can easily spread on social media.
