Several key members of the Enugu State Executive Council have formally joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of Governor Peter Mbah’s anticipated defection to the ruling party.

Those who switched allegiance include Dr. Lawrence Ezeh, Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology; Dr. Amaka Ngene, Chairman of the Science, Technical and Vocational Schools Management Board; and Dr. Felix Nnamani, Commissioner for Labour and Employment.

A video shared on Monday by Dan Nwomeh, the Governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Media, showed the officials waving APC flags and publicly declaring support for the party.

> “Enugu State Cabinet Members join the APC with full chest along with Governor PN Mbah – from left to right, Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, the Prince of Mburumbu, Dr. Lawrence Ezeh; Chairman of the Science, Technical and Vocational Schools Management Board, Dr. Amaka S. Ngene; and Commissioner for Labour and Employment, Dr. Felix Nnamani,” Nwomeh wrote on X.

The move heightens speculation that Governor Mbah will officially defect to the APC this week, following the hoisting of the party’s flag at the Enugu Government House on Sunday night.

According to reports, arrangements have been concluded to receive the governor at a formal defection ceremony scheduled for Tuesday in Enugu, expected to attract top national and regional APC leaders.

If confirmed, Mbah’s defection would make Enugu the first South East state under APC control since the 2023 general elections — a development seen as a major political realignment in the region.

Mbah, who was elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023, has yet to comment publicly on the development, though several aides and associates have already crossed over to the ruling party.

Analysts describe the development as another major setback for the PDP, which continues to grapple with a wave of high-profile defections across several states.

Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Obasa, has congratulated Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as he clocks 40.

In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Dave Agboola, Speaker Obasa praised Seyi for his compassion and exemplary commitment to humanity and national development.

“Seyi Tinubu’s unwavering dedication to empowering young people stands as a beacon of hope amid the challenges they face today.

“His initiatives in education, skill acquisition, philanthropy, and entrepreneurship have been transformative, providing opportunities for youth across the nation.

“In a time when young Nigerians are navigating numerous challenges, Seyi’s leadership, empathy, and initiatives instill hope and encourage them to reach their potential,” the Speaker stated.

The Speaker’s message also underscored a vital lesson for society: the significance of giving back. “At just 40years old, Seyi constantly serves as a reminder that personal success is best measured by the positive impact one has on others.”

The Lagos Speaker further stated that the celebration of Seyi Tinubu exemplifies not just a personal milestone but a collective recognition of his contributions towards a brighter future for Nigeria.

While wishing him long life and a lifetime of joy and good health, Speaker Obasa also prayed, “May he continue to inspire the youth and contribute positively to the development of our great nation.”

The Federal Government has ordered vice-chancellors of federal universities to immediately enforce the “no work, no pay” policy on members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) who are currently on strike.

The directive was contained in a circular dated October 13, 2025, signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and distributed to key officials, including the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Permanent Secretary of Education, Pro-Chancellors of Federal Universities, Director-General of the Budget Office, Accountant-General of the Federation, and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC).

In the circular, the ministry expressed disappointment over ASUU’s continued industrial action despite several appeals for dialogue, warning that the government would no longer tolerate violations of existing labour laws.

“In line with the provisions of the Labour Laws of the Federation, the Federal Government reiterates its position on the enforcement of the ‘No Work, No Pay’ policy in respect of any employee who fails to discharge his or her official duties during the period of strike action,” the circular stated.

Dr. Alausa further directed all vice-chancellors to conduct an immediate roll call and physical headcount of academic staff in their institutions, with detailed reports identifying those present at work and those absent due to the strike.

He added that salaries should be suspended for any lecturer who fails to perform official duties during the strike period.

However, the minister clarified that members of the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) — who are not part of the strike — should not be penalised.

“The ministry expects full compliance with this directive,” Alausa stated, instructing the NUC to monitor implementation and submit a compliance report within seven days.

“Please treat this matter with utmost urgency and a deep sense of responsibility in national interest,” he added.

The directive comes amid ASUU’s two-week nationwide warning strike, which began on Monday, October 13, following the union’s declaration on Sunday.

ASUU’s demands include the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, release of withheld salaries and arrears, revitalisation funding for public universities, and an end to alleged victimisation of members in some institutions.