Architect Bashir Lawal, former Chairman of the Accord Party in Oyo State and the 2023 House of Representatives candidate for Saki East/West and Atisbo Federal Constituency, has been appointed as the new South-West Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The appointment, ratified by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) during its recent session in Abuja, marks another milestone in the political journey of the Oke-Ogun-born technocrat and politician.
Lawal, a respected architect and grassroots mobilizer, previously served as the Oyo State Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) during the administration of former Governor Rashidi Ladoja, now the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Speaking shortly after his appointment, the former Executive Chairman of Saki West Local Government expressed deep appreciation to the ADC leadership for the trust reposed in him.
He reportedly described the new role as “a call to service and regional integration,” pledging to work tirelessly to reposition the party as a credible and people-focused platform in the South-West.
According to party insiders, his emergence followed weeks of internal consultations among national and zonal leaders, who cited his organizational discipline, experience in party administration and fairness as key reasons for his selection.
A man of both intellect and action, Architect Bashir Aremu Lawal brings over two decades of experience spanning public administration and private architectural practice. He is well regarded for his pragmatic leadership style and his consistent advocacy for inclusive governance at all levels.
Born on October 1, 1960, in Saki, Lawal began his career as a lecturer at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, before venturing into politics. He first served as Executive Chairman of Saki West Local Government between April 1997 and July 1998, and returned for another term from 2003 to 2006. During that period, he was chosen by his peers as the ALGON Chairman for Oyo State.
When Senator Rashidi Ladoja founded the Accord Party, Lawal became its pioneer chairman, a role that helped shape the political dynamics of Oyo State at the time. In the build-up to the 2019 general elections, he was appointed Director-General of the ADC in Oyo State, consolidating his influence within the party.
Beyond politics, Lawal has an impressive record of grassroots development. As Chairman of Saki West, he spearheaded the construction of the Sango Ultra-Modern Market comprising 156 shops, two warehouses, and public toilets.
He also paid WAEC fees for 531 final-year students, sponsored athlete Bilikisu Yussuff to the 1998 Olympic Games in Athens, and established Primary Health Centres across the 11 wards of Saki West.
He is also credited with proposing and designing key infrastructural projects such as the new Saki motor garage, new Kara market, and the ultra-modern Saki Central Market, alongside major road projects including Ìyànà Isalẹ Efi Road and Oke Sunnah Road.
Architect Bashir Lawal’s appointment as ADC South-West Secretary has been described by insiders as a return of seasoned political experience to the party’s leadership, and a signal of ADC’s readiness to strengthen its structures across the six states in the south west region ahead of 2027.