Senate Confirms Ayo Omidiran as Chairman, Peter Eze, 36 Others as Federal Character Commissioners

By Mike Shuaibu

The Senate on Thursday confirmed former federal lawmaker Hon. Ayo Hulayat Omidiran as Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), approving her nomination alongside 37 commissioners representing the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

This confirmation came after the Senate adopted the screening report presented by Senator Allwell Heacho Onyesoh, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs.

According to Onyesoh, all nominees submitted the necessary documentation and underwent a rigorous screening process, with no criminal petitions recorded against any of them.

Omidiran, a two-term member of the House of Representatives, is well regarded for her community-oriented legislative work, advocacy for women’s empowerment, and commitment to fairness in governance. Once sworn in by the President, she is expected to bring renewed discipline, transparency, and reform-driven leadership to the Commission.

Among those confirmed are Peter Ogbonna Eze representing Enugu State and AbdulWasiu Kayode Bawa-Allah for Lagos State, while Mohammed Musa retains his position as Secretary of the FCC.

Presenting the report, Senator Onyesoh reminded lawmakers that all nominees appeared before the committee on November 13 and submitted CCB clearances, police reports, DSS vetting documents, and their curriculum vitae.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele moved the motion for the chamber to dissolve into the Committee of the Whole to consider the nominations. Supporting the motion, Deputy Minority Leader Senator Olalere Oyewumi stated:

“I rise to support their nomination. From their résumé, they have held different positions both locally and internationally, and I hereby thank Mr President for finding them worthy for nomination.”

After deliberations, the Senate dissolved into the Committee of the Whole to assess each nominee. With no objections raised, the committee adopted the report and returned to plenary.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio then subjected the nominations to a voice vote, leading to the unanimous confirmation of Hon. Ayo Omidiran and all 37 commissioners, including Peter Eze representing Enugu State.

Other confirmed nominees 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); and Solomon Ayuba Dagami (FCT).

Public commentators say Omidiran’s appointment marks a deliberate move to reinvigorate the Federal Character Commission.

With a leadership approach grounded in empathy and discipline, she is expected to reposition the FCC from a dormant institution into what she has described as a “coalition of conscience”—a body dedicated to making equity the norm rather than the exception in public service.

Her longstanding commitment to youth mentorship, gender inclusion, and institutional strengthening has established her as a reform-minded leader capable of restoring credibility to an agency vital to Nigeria’s unity and balance.