Tinubu Overhauls Federal Character Commission, Installs Omidiran As Chair

Dr. Nafisat Makinde
ABUJA

In one of the boldest shake-ups of his administration, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has restructured the Federal Character Commission (FCC), appointing former lawmaker Ayo Hulayat Omidiran as Executive Chairman and naming 31 commissioners to represent states and the FCT.

The announcement was contained in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, who described the appointments as “a decisive move to strengthen fairness, equity, and national unity in federal appointments.”

Omidiran succeeds Dr. Muheeba Dankaka, whose term ended amid controversy. The President also named Mohammed Musa as Secretary of the Commission and retained Kayode Oladele (Ogun), who has served as Acting Chairman since 2024, as Commissioner.

Tinubu renewed the mandates of four commissioners — Lawal Ya’u Roni (Jigawa), Abubakar Atiku Bunu (Kebbi), Eludayo Eluyemi (Osun) and Abdulwasiu Kayode Bawalla (Lagos) — while ushering in a fresh roster of state representatives to bolster the FCC’s mission.

“This team has been carefully chosen to uphold the principles of representation and ensure every part of Nigeria has a fair voice in federal opportunities,” Onanuga stated.

The appointments — spanning Abia to Zamfara and the FCT — bring in professionals, grassroots politicians, and public service veterans. From Hon. Obina Oriaku in Abia to Solomon Ayuba Dagami for the FCT, the new line-up reflects what the Presidency calls a “blend of experience and regional balance.”

Observers say the overhaul could reset the FCC’s operational tone after years of internal disputes and public skepticism.

“The President expects measurable results in building trust, transparency, and inclusiveness,” the statement added.

With this sweeping reconstitution, the Tinubu administration signals that the Federal Character principle remains central to its governance ethos.