A Twist In The Nomination: Maryam Shetty’s Replacement Shocks the Nation

In a surprising turn of events, President Bola Tinubu has withdrawn the nomination of Dr. Maryam Shetty as a ministerial nominee from Kano State, replacing her with Dr. Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure. This unexpected change has set tongues wagging across the nation, with many speculating about the high-power politics behind the decision.

The Replacement

Maryam Shetty, a young and relatively unknown politician from Kano State, was initially included in the 19-man list submitted by President Tinubu in his second batch of ministerial nominees. However, just hours before her scheduled screening, her name was withdrawn, and she was replaced with Dr. Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure, a former commissioner for higher education in Kano State.

The Reaction

The sudden replacement left many shocked, including Shetty herself, who was at the National Assembly for screening when the news broke. The way the young woman was treated has been criticized by some Nigerians, who argue that the President should have exhibited courtesy by informing the nominee of the change beforehand.

The Power Play

Multiple sources have confirmed that the immediate past governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, played a significant role in the replacement. Ganduje, who recently emerged as the new national chairman of the ruling APC, nominated Bunkure to replace Shetty. It was suspected that Shetty’s name was initially smuggled into the list by a senior member of the presidency, leading to Ganduje’s intervention.

The Background

Shetty’s nomination had already generated mixed reactions on social media, with some praising her and others criticizing the decision. She is known as a political and social activist and a national leader of the APC support group “WeBelieve.” Shetty’s vocal stance against some of Ganduje’s policies, including the controversial deposition of former Emir Muhammadu Sanusi, may have contributed to her replacement.

The New Nominees

In addition to Bunkure, President Tinubu also nominated Festus Keyamo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and former Minister of State for Labour, among the ministerial nominees. Keyamo’s absence from previous lists had raised questions, and his inclusion now adds to the intrigue surrounding the nomination process.

The Implications

The unfolding process reveals the complex dynamics of political maneuvering within the ruling party. Kano is considered one of the strategic states that the ruling party hopes to regain, and the recent changes reflect the President’s efforts to consolidate his influence in the state.

Final Thoughts

The unexpected changes in the ministerial nominations have exposed the intricate web of political relationships and power plays within the Nigerian government. The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of politics and the delicate balance of interests that must be navigated. The nation watches with keen interest as the new nominees prepare for their screenings, wondering what other surprises may be in store.