Tinubu Swears In New FCC Chair, 37 Commissioners, Reignites Debate on Federal Character and Merit

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday formally swore in the Chairman and Commissioners of the Federal Character Commission (FCC) at the State House, Abuja, marking a new phase for the constitutionally-backed agency tasked with promoting fairness and inclusivity in federal appointments.

The swearing-in ceremony, which took place at about 4:48pm, featured the new FCC Chairman, Hulayat Omidiran, alongside 37 commissioners representing the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory. The event was attended by top government officials, including the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, and other senior aides.

Omidiran, a 59-year-old politician from Ikire in Osun State, succeeds Dr Muheeba Dankaka, whose tenure the Presidency openly described as “dogged by controversy.” Her appointment followed months of uncertainty after President Tinubu initially announced Dankaka’s reappointment for a second term, only to reverse the decision later the same day.

A former two-term member of the House of Representatives, Omidiran represented Ayedaade/Irewole/Isokan Federal Constituency between 2011 and 2019. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and brings to the role a blend of legislative experience and sports administration exposure.

Beyond politics, Omidiran has an extensive background in football administration. She previously served as Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Sports and held several key roles, including membership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) board, Chairperson of the NFF Women’s Football Committee, membership of the FIFA Women’s Football Committee, and service on the Board of Trustees of the Nigeria Olympic Committee. She is also the founder of Omidiran Babes Football Club, a female football team based in Osogbo, Osun State, which she established in 1997.

President Tinubu appointed Omidiran on August 11, 2025, and her nomination was subsequently confirmed by the Senate on November 27, 2025, after completing all statutory requirements. These included security screening and an appearance before the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs on October 30.

Alongside the chairman, Mohammed Musa was sworn in as Secretary of the commission, while 37 commissioners were inaugurated to represent the states and the FCT. Among those sworn in were Peter Eze (Enugu), AbdulWasiu Bawalla (Lagos), Obinna Oriaku (Abia), Lawal Roni (Jigawa), Abubakar Bunu (Kebbi), Eludayo Eluyemi (Osun), Bema Madayi (Adamawa), Dora Ebong (Akwa Ibom), Nnoli Gloria (Anambra) and Babangida Gwana (Bauchi).

Others include Sir Tonye Okio (Bayelsa), Aligba Tarkende (Benue), Modu Mustapha (Borno), Dr Stella Ekpo (Cross River), Ederin Idisi (Delta), Nwokpor Vincent Nduka (Ebonyi), Victor Sabor Edoror (Edo), Sola Fokanle (Ekiti), Ibrahim Baba Mairiga (Gombe), Jerry Alagbaoso (Imo), Ruth Ango (Kaduna), Muhammad Awwal Nayya (Kano), Anas Isah (Katsina), Bello Idris Eneye (Kogi), Dr Ibrahim Abdullahi (Kwara), Kayode Oladele (Ogun), Isah Jibrin (Niger), Ajimudu Bola (Ondo), Prince Ayodeji Abas Aleshinloye (Oyo), Pam Bolman (Plateau), Aaron Chukwuemeka (Rivers), Aminu Tambar (Sokoto), Bobboi Kaigama (Taraba), Jibir Maigari (Yobe), Sani Garba (Zamfara) and Solomon Dagami (FCT).

The Federal Character Commission was established by Act No. 34 of 1996 and is entrenched in Sections 14 and 153 of the 1999 Constitution. Its mandate is to ensure equitable distribution of public offices and socio-economic infrastructure across Nigeria’s diverse federating units. The commission is also empowered to formulate guidelines for appointments into the civil service, public service, security agencies and government parastatals, as well as sanction heads of agencies that violate the federal character principle.

However, the latest swearing-in has once again sparked intense public debate. Many Nigerians questioned the relevance and effectiveness of the FCC, arguing that the principle of federal character often undermines merit and promotes mediocrity. Others countered that the commission remains necessary in a deeply diverse country like Nigeria, where perceived marginalisation can fuel division and instability.

Online reactions ranged from outright condemnation of the commission as outdated to cautious optimism that the new leadership could restore credibility and enforce fairness more transparently. Critics also raised concerns over the continued appointment of career politicians into what some believe should be a largely neutral and non-partisan body.

As the new chairman and commissioners assume office, expectations are high that the Federal Character Commission will move beyond controversy and political symbolism to deliver tangible outcomes that balance fairness, competence and national unity in Nigeria’s public service.