The political Landscape in Ondo State is abuzz with speculations following a series of public sightings of Hon. Kingsley Kemebradigha Kuku, Ph.D; the former Special Adviser to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on Niger Delta Affairs and ex-Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP); at high-profile events organized by or affiliated with the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Kuku, popularly known across the Niger Delta region as “K3”, has long been recognised as a core member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He once stood as a symbol of South-Western loyalty to the PDP during the Jonathan presidency. However, his recent frequent appearances at APC-led functions have left political observers, constituents, and party loyalists asking a pressing question: Has Kuku quietly dumped the PDP for the ruling APC?
Despite the significance of the question, no official announcement has been made by Hon. Kuku or his aides as of the time of filing this report. Yet, the signs are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
While no press conference or formal declaration has taken place, Kuku’s activities in recent weeks strongly suggest a political realignment; possibly in preparation for strategic roles in the buildup to future elections in Ondo State or beyond.
1. Strategic Meeting with Former APC National Chairman
Dr. Kuku was recently sighted in what sources described as a “strategic private meeting” with Hon. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the immediate past National Chairman of the APC. The meeting, which allegedly involved several influential APC players, was held behind closed doors, leaving much room for interpretation. Though the agenda remains undisclosed, its timing and participants have fueled intense speculation about Kuku’s political direction.
2. Attendance at OSOPADEC Board Inauguration
In what appears to be a deliberate public engagement, Dr. Kuku attended the inauguration of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) Board; an event presided over by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa. Kuku was seen in the company of the newly appointed OSOPADEC Chairman, Hon. Prince Biyi Poroye, and other prominent APC stakeholders. This appearance was widely seen as another pointer to his growing association with the ruling party.
3. Present at Swearing-In of Environment Commissioner
Kuku was also spotted at the swearing-in ceremony of Hon. Dr. Tob Loko as the Commissioner for Environment. The event, held at the Governor’s Office in Akure, was attended by top functionaries of the Aiyedatiwa administration. Kuku’s cordial interactions and prominence at the event raised eyebrows within political circles, particularly among PDP members in Ondo South.
4. Attendance at Statewide Commissioners’ Swearing-In
Not long after, Kuku once again made an appearance; this time at the swearing-in ceremony for all newly appointed Commissioners in the State. With cameras capturing him among APC bigwigs and in close quarters with Governor Aiyedatiwa, the optics of the moment sent political tongues wagging across the state.
5. Recently Seen Again with Governor Aiyedatiwa
To cap it off, the former presidential aide was recently photographed in another setting alongside Governor Aiyedatiwa. The image, which has circulated widely on social media and among political analysts, shows Kuku visibly at ease in APC territory, reinforcing the belief that his loyalty may no longer lie with the PDP.
In a bid to seek clarity, Arogbo-Ibe Voice Reporters made several efforts to contact Hon. Kingsley Kuku and members of his media team. Multiple phone calls, text messages, and official emails were sent over a 72-hour period leading up to the publication of this story. As of the time of filing this report, no response has been received.
While silence may not always imply confirmation, in the volatile terrain of Nigerian politics, it often speaks volumes; especially when accompanied by visual evidence of political alignment.
Should Kuku’s silence ultimately give way to an official declaration of his defection to the APC, it would mark a pivotal moment in the political architecture of Ondo State; particularly in the riverine communities of Ese-Odo, Ilaje, and beyond.
Kuku’s influence in the region is undisputed. As a former chairman of the PAP, he played a central role in stabilizing youth unrest, initiating development programs, and brokering peace in restive areas. His networks among ex-agitators, youth leaders, and community stakeholders are still very active and relevant.
A move to the APC would not only strengthen Governor Aiyedatiwa’s political base in the South but could also reposition the ruling party’s chances in regions traditionally seen as PDP strongholds. With local government elections and the 2027 general elections on the horizon, Kuku’s political capital could be a game-changer.
While official reactions from both PDP and APC stakeholders remain muted, grassroots supporters and community observers have expressed mixed feelings.
A source close to the PDP chapter in Ondo South, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said:
“Dr. Kuku has always been one of our most dependable figures. If these reports are true, then the PDP needs to go back to the drawing board.”
Conversely, a senior APC leader in the state expressed excitement at the idea of Kuku joining the party, stating:
“If someone with the grassroots appeal and administrative experience of Dr. Kuku aligns with us, it will be a massive boost ahead of upcoming political contests.”
Community voices from Arogbo-Ibe and other Ijaw-speaking territories have also begun debating the potential benefits or drawbacks of his perceived political shift. While some welcome it as strategic for development and better access to the ruling government’s resources, others worry it might widen the political gap among riverine elites.
While Hon. Kingsley Kemebradigha Kuku, Ph.D, has not made any formal announcement or press release indicating a move from the PDP to the APC, his consistent appearances at APC-led events, visible alignment with top-ranking officials of the Aiyedatiwa administration, and the deafening silence from his media team have left little doubt in the minds of political analysts.
Until he breaks that silence with an official statement, the political air around him will remain thick with speculation. Whether it is a strategic engagement or a quiet defection, only time will tell. But one thing is certain: Dr. Kingsley Kuku has positioned himself once again as a central figure in the unfolding political narrative of Ondo State and the Niger Delta region.
All efforts to reach Dr. Kuku or his authorized aides for comment were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
