Former Bayelsa State Governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC). Sylva announced his resignation in a letter addressed to the APC chairman in Ward 4, Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State on Monday.
“As a founding member of the APC, and one who joined other well-meaning Nigerians in building the Party with sweat and money, it is deeply saddening to witness how the ideals we espoused have been so thoroughly and unrecognisably thwarted,” Sylva said.
Explaining his decision, the former governor said he could no longer remain in a party whose leaders operate on the belief that “all is fair in politics.
“The present Government, formed under the banner of the APC we once loved, has disappointed the vast majority of Nigerians. And I can see neither a credible attempt nor any possibility of a revamp,” he said.
Sylva described the APC as a “floundering ship” whose fate appeared to have been sealed, saying he had therefore decided to leave the party.
Link to Alleged Coup Plot
Sylva was recently named as a suspect in an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu and listed among defendants in a 13-count charge filed by the Federal Government over the alleged plot.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) also declared Sylva wanted in November 2025 over an alleged case involving conspiracy and dishonest conversion of $14.86 million. Sylva has rejected the allegations and, in his resignation letter, said he had sent a copy of the document to the EFCC.
Sylva accused the EFCC of conducting itself “more as an organ of the APC than as an institution of State” and stated his resignation could result in increased pressure on him and his associates but he was prepared to take the risk.
“I am fully aware that this action of mine may invite a redoubled witch-hunt against me and my associates, but that is a risk I am willing to take,” he said.
Sylva also expressed confidence that Nigerians would vote for “Nigeria” in the next general election and free the country from what he described as the current “stranglehold”.
