The political arena in Ondo State remains tense as 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), continues to maintain a conspicuous silence amid intensifying speculations about his potential defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Over two weeks have passed since Arogbo-Ibe Voice Reporters first spotlighted Dr. Kuku’s repeated appearances at high-level APC events. Yet, the former Special Adviser on Niger Delta Affairs to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan and ex-Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has made no official statement clarifying his political allegiance.
Observers now describe his silence not as indecision, but as a “calculated political pause.”
While many expected a prompt clarification or rebuttal from Dr. Kuku or his media aides following the initial wave of public scrutiny, none has been forthcoming. Instead, what the public has witnessed is a continued series of high-level engagements that further blur party lines.
Sources within both PDP and APC camps have privately acknowledged that something significant is unfolding, but Kuku’s deliberate silence has kept even seasoned political strategists guessing.
Silent But Present: More Unofficial Appearances
Despite no formal confirmation of party defection, Dr. Kuku has continued to show up in APC-dominated political spaces:
Recent visit to an APC youth consultative forum hosted in Akure, where Kuku was seen exchanging pleasantries with young party organizers, reportedly delivering off-camera remarks on leadership and development.
Closed-door session with a federal lawmaker from Ondo South (name withheld), known to be a key strategist in the APC’s South-West consolidation plan for 2027.
A midnight convoy sighting in Okitipupa, speculated to be part of a political negotiation tour, though unconfirmed by any official sources.
Inside the PDP, uncertainty and discomfort have set in. A member of the PDP South-West Working Committee who pleaded anonymity told Arogbo-Ibe Voice Reporters:
“His silence is unsettling. We respect him too much to make assumptions, but this delay in communication is making our base jittery. Dr. Kuku is not someone who takes decisions lightly. Whatever he’s plotting, he’s doing it with utmost strategy.”
There are even whispers within the PDP that Kuku may be holding out for a “grand bargain”; possibly a major stake or appointment in exchange for an open defection to the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.
Meanwhile, APC insiders are equally tight-lipped, likely in an attempt to manage expectations. However, a youth leader in Ese-Odo local government confided:
“We’ve heard from very credible channels that Dr. Kuku is tilting towards our party. We are hopeful. He’s the type of personality that doesn’t make empty moves. If he joins, it’s not just the PDP that will feel the heat, the entire South-West political balance will shift.”
Analysts now suggest that Kuku’s silence may be more than hesitation; it may be strategic political theater. By saying nothing while remaining highly visible, Kuku retains influence over both camps. He also deepens the suspense, making his eventual move; whether to stay or defect; all the more impactful.
“This is classic K3,” said political analyst Adebayo Ologbese.
“He’s controlling the narrative without uttering a word. In Nigerian politics, that’s power.”
Community Leaders React
In the riverine communities of Ese-Odo and Arogbo, reactions remain mixed.
Chief Solomon Ibimotimi, a community leader in Arogbo, commented:
“Whether he joins APC or stays with PDP, our concern is development. We only hope his decision, when it comes, will be in the best interest of the Ijaw people.”
On the other hand, Mrs. Taye Bamidele, a PDP women leader in Ilaje, expressed disappointment:
“We expected better communication from someone of his stature. The party deserves clarity; we have always stood by him.”
As days turn to weeks, the political pressure on Hon. Kingsley Kemebradigha Kuku continues to mount. His strategic silence; marked by prominent public appearances, cryptic engagements, and an evasive media front; has created a vacuum that both PDP and APC are scrambling to fill.
Whether this silence is a prelude to a thunderous political announcement or merely a tactical delay remains uncertain.
But what is clear is this: in the political chessboard of Ondo State, Kuku holds a powerful piece; and he knows exactly when to make the next move.
All efforts to reach Hon. Kuku or his close associates again yielded no response at the time of publishing this reports.
