President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday made a swift change in leadership at the Federal Character Commission (FCC), replacing an earlier appointee only hours after the initial announcement.
In an updated statement issued by the Presidency, former House of Representatives member Ayo Hulayat Omidiran was named the new Executive Chairman of the FCC, succeeding Dr. Muheeba Dankaka, whose tenure had been marred by controversy.
The move came just hours after the earlier announcement, reflecting what a top presidency aide described as the President’s commitment to “ensuring the right fit for strategic roles in line with the Federal Character principle.”
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, confirmed the replacement, stating:
“President Tinubu is determined to strengthen the Federal Character Commission with experienced and credible leadership to promote fairness, equity, and unity in public service appointments.”
The President also appointed Mohammed Musa as the Commission’s Secretary, while retaining Kayode Oladele from Ogun State as Commissioner. Oladele, also a former federal lawmaker, has been serving as the acting Chairman since 2024.
Several commissioners were reappointed for a second term, including Lawal Ya’u Roni (Jigawa), Abubakar Atiku Bunu (Kebbi), Eludayo Eluyemi (Osun), and Abdulwasiu Kayode Bawalla (Lagos).
The newly appointed commissioners include:
- Hon. Obina Oriaku – Abia
- Mrs. Bema Olvadi Madayi – Adamawa
- Obongawan Dora Ebong – Akwa Ibom
- Hon. Nnoli Nkechi Gloria – Anambra
- Babangida Adamu Gwana – Bauchi
- Sir Tonye Okio – Bayelsa
- Aligba Eugene Tarkende – Benue
- Engr. Modu Mustapha – Borno
- Dr. Stella Odey Ekpo – Cross River
- Ederin Lovette Idisi – Delta
- Barr. Nwokpor Vincent Nduka – Ebonyi
- Hon. Chief Victor Sabor Edoror – Edo
- Hon. Sola Fokanle – Ekiti
- Peter Eze – Enugu
- Ibrahim Baba Mairiga – Gombe
- Hon. Jerry Alagbaoso – Imo
- Ruth Jumai Ango – Kaduna
- Muhammad Awwal Nayya – Kano
- Hon. Anas Isah – Katsina
- Bello Idris Eneye – Kogi
- Dr. Ibrahim Abdullahi – Kwara
- Alh. Isah Jibrin – Niger
- Comrade Ajimudu Bola – Ondo
- Prince Ayodeji Abas Aleshinloye – Oyo
- Hon. Pam Bolman – Plateau
- Aaron Chukwuemeka – Rivers
- Alh. Aminu Tambar – Sokoto
- Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama – Taraba
- Hon. Jibir Maigari – Yobe
- Sani Garba – Zamfara
- Solomon Ayuba Dagami – FCT
The Federal Character Commission plays a critical role in promoting balanced representation of all states and the FCT in the composition of government institutions, in line with Section 14(3) of the Nigerian Constitution.
