The Senate on Thursday confirmed former federal lawmaker Ayo Omidiran as the Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), approving her nomination alongside 37 commissioners representing the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The confirmation followed the adoption of the screening report presented by Senator Allwell Onyesoh, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs. Onyesoh informed the chamber that all nominees submitted the required documents and underwent a thorough screening process, noting that “no criminal petitions were recorded against any of the nominees.”
Omidiran, a two-term member of the House of Representatives, is widely regarded for her community-focused legislative work, women’s empowerment efforts, and sustained advocacy for fairness in governance. Her appointment—pending presidential swearing-in—is expected to bring what lawmakers described as “renewed discipline, transparency, and reform-minded leadership” to the Commission.
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Among the confirmed commissioners are Peter Ogbonna Eze (Enugu), AbdulWasiu Kayode Bawa-Allah (Lagos), while Mohammed Musa retains his position as Secretary of the FCC.
Presenting the committee’s findings, Onyesoh said the nominees appeared before the panel on November 13 and provided all mandatory documents, including Code of Conduct Bureau clearances, police reports, DSS vetting results, and curriculum vitae.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele thereafter moved a motion for the Senate to dissolve into the Committee of the Whole to consider the nominations. Supporting the motion, Deputy Minority Leader Olalere Oyewumi said, “From their résumés, they have held significant positions locally and internationally. I thank Mr President for finding them worthy of nomination.”
Following a state-by-state review and with no objections raised, the Committee of the Whole adopted the report and reverted to plenary. Senate President Godswill Akpabio then subjected the nominations to a voice vote, leading to the unanimous confirmation of Omidiran and all 37 commissioners.
Other confirmed commissioners include:
Obinna Oriaku (Abia); Lawal Ya’u Roni (Jigawa); Abubakar Atiku Bunu (Kebbi); Eludayo Eluyemi (Osun); Bema Olvadi Madayi (Adamawa); Dora Ebong (Akwa Ibom); 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. Victor Sabor Edoror (Edo); Hon. Sola Fokanle (Ekiti); 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 Aleshinloye (Oyo); Hon. Pam Bolman (Plateau); Aaron Chukwuemeka (Rivers); Alh. Aminu Tambar (Sokoto); Bobboi Bala Kaigama (Taraba); Hon. Jibir Maigari (Yobe); Sani Garba (Zamfara); Solomon Ayuba Dagami (FCT).
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Public commentators say Omidiran’s emergence signals a deliberate shift toward revitalising the Federal Character Commission. Known for a leadership style rooted in empathy, discipline, and institutional reform, Omidiran has frequently described her vision for the FCC as a “coalition of conscience”an institution where equity becomes “not an exception but the standard” in public service.
Her longstanding work mentoring young people, advancing gender inclusion, and strengthening governance structures has positioned her as a reformist leader expected to restore credibility to an agency central to Nigeria’s unity and balance.
