Tinubu Inaugurates New Federal Character Commission Leadership Amid Push for Institutional Reset
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday, in Abuja, formally inaugurated a new leadership for the Federal Character Commission (FCC), swearing in Hulayat Omidiran as chairman alongside 37 commissioners drawn from Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, in a move the Presidency signals as a step toward restoring stability and credibility to the commission.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at the State House at about 4:48 p.m., marking the official commencement of Omidiran’s tenure following the expiration of the previous leadership, which the Presidency said was marked by controversy.
The Federal Character Commission is constitutionally mandated to promote fairness and equitable representation in public service appointments, a responsibility that has drawn increasing public scrutiny in recent years.
Omidiran, 59, takes over from Dr Muheeba Dankaka and brings to the role a background in both legislative work and sports administration. A native of Ikire in Osun State, she served two terms in the House of Representatives between 2011 and 2019, representing Ayedaade/Irewole/Isokan Federal Constituency.
Her parliamentary experience included engagement in committee-level oversight and policy discussions relevant to governance and public institutions.
Beyond politics, the new FCC chairman has maintained long-standing involvement in sports administration, particularly women’s football. She has held roles within the Nigeria Football Federation, served on FIFA’s Women’s Football Committee, and was part of the Board of Trustees of the Nigeria Olympic Committee. She is also the founder of Omidiran Babes Football Club, a women’s team established in Osogbo in 1997.
Omidiran holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, a background the Presidency appears to consider reflective of the blend of professional and administrative experience expected to guide the commission at a sensitive time.
President Tinubu had appointed her on August 11, 2025, a decision that followed an earlier announcement on the same day indicating a second-term reappointment for Dankaka, before the reversal that culminated in Thursday’s inauguration.
With the new chairman and commissioners now in office, attention is expected to shift to how the FCC will address lingering concerns about fairness, inclusiveness, and public confidence in federal appointments under its watch.
