Several members of the Enugu State cabinet have joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the expected defection of Governor Peter Mbah to the ruling party.

Those who switched allegiance include Lawrence Ezeh, Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology; Amaka Ngene, Chairman of the Science, Technical and Vocational Schools Management Board; and 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 cabinet members holding APC flags and 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 development comes amid mounting indications that Governor Mbah will formally defect to the APC this week.

The move follows weeks of speculation after the ruling party’s flag was hoisted at the Enugu Government House on Sunday night.ad

According to reports, the APC has concluded arrangements to receive Mbah officially at a ceremony scheduled to hold in Enugu on Tuesday.

Party officials have been sighted within the state preparing for the event, expected to attract national and regional political figures.

The governor’s defection will make Enugu the first South East state under APC control since the 2023 general elections and is seen as a major political shift in the region.

Mbah, who was elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023, has not publicly commented on the matter, but several of his aides and associates have already realigned with the ruling party.

Daily Trust reports that the development is seen as another setback for the PDP, which has faced a string of high-profile defections in recent months. (daily Trust)