Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau has urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship candidates in the Local Government (LG) elections to ensure inclusion of women in their cabinets.
The Governor made the call at the flag off of APC LG elections campaign on Saturday at Shendam Mini Stadium.
He said that APC was committed on ensuring inclusive governance, stressing that women and people with disabilities should be considered in their cabinets.
The governor commended some candidates for making women their running mates, saying the gesture would encourage their participation in politics.
Lalong said that despite efforts by some elements to frustrate the conduct of the LG elections with security challenges in the state, he was determined to fulfill his campaign promise of conducting the exercise across the state.
The governor congratulated the candidates for their emergence and urged them to mobilise massively to ensure their success in the elections, adding that their efforts were part of preparations for the 2023 elections.
The governor thanked Plateau people and the leadership of APC in the state for their cooperation and support, especially in handling the security challenges in the state.
Also speaking at the event, Deputy Speaker House of Representatives,  Ahmed Idris, thanked the governor for his efforts in facilitating infrastructural development in the state.
He said the approval by President Buhari to establish a Federal Polytechnic in Shendam, an orthopedic hospital and the construction of federal roads amongst others, were facilitated by Lalong resilience for the state’s development.
He thanked Plateau people for their cooperation and urged them to continue to support the legislature and executive in order to enjoy more benefits of democratic governance.
Earlier in his address of welcome, acting APC chairman in the state, Mr. Enoch Fanmak, expressed optimism that the party would be successful during the Oct. 9th, LG polls.
He urged the candidates to galvanise efforts in their various constituencies saying, APC was known for its commitment in promoting grassroots politics.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that chairman also issued certificates to the candidates, while the governor presented APC flags to the candidates to kick off their campaigns.
(NAN)