Former Bayelsa State Governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, has resigned his membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the party of abandoning the principles that informed its formation.
Sylva announced his decision in a resignation letter dated August 31, 2026, addressed to the APC chairman of Ward 4 in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The former governor, who described himself as a founding member of the party, said his resignation followed consultations with his family, associates, colleagues and sympathisers.
Copies of the letter were sent to the APC National Chairman, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the chairman of the party in Bayelsa State.
Sylva said he could no longer remain in a political organisation whose leaders, in his view, had adopted the philosophy that “all is fair in politics”.
He said the principle was inconsistent with basic standards of morality and decency, adding that the conduct of the present administration had reinforced his decision to leave the party.
“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,” he said.
He added, “I cannot, in all good conscience, continue to belong to a party whose leaders believe that ‘all is fair in politics;’ and have consistently demonstrated that belief in practice.”
Sylva attacks Tinubu administration
The former minister also launched a scathing assessment of the President Bola Tinubu-led government, accusing it of disappointing the majority of Nigerians.
Sylva said he could not see any credible effort or realistic prospect of changing the direction of the administration.
“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 stated.
He consequently likened the APC to a “floundering ship” and said he had decided to leave before its alleged failings became irreversible.
“I am therefore left with no other choice than to jettison a floundering ship whose fate appears to have been sealed by its irredeemable load of iniquities,” he said.
Sylva further predicted that Nigerians would use the 2027 general elections to vote for political change.
“I have no doubt that, in the coming election, Nigerians will vote for Nigeria and free the Country from this stranglehold on our beautiful country,” he said.
‘I am prepared for EFCC scrutiny’
The former governor also explained his decision to copy the EFCC in his resignation letter.
Sylva said he was conscious that leaving the ruling party could expose him and his associates to heightened scrutiny from the anti-graft agency.
He nevertheless said he was prepared to face any consequences arising from his decision.
“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,” Sylva stated.
Resignation amid alleged coup investigation
Sylva’s exit from the APC comes against the backdrop of allegations linking him to an alleged plot to overthrow the Tinubu administration.
The Federal Government had previously named him as a suspect in connection with an alleged coup plot uncovered in 2025. Sylva has consistently denied the allegations and maintained that he had no involvement in any plan to overthrow the government.
The alleged plot resulted in the arrest and prosecution of several military and civilian suspects.
In April 2026, six defendants were arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges including treason, terrorism and money laundering, while Sylva was mentioned in connection with the wider investigation.
Fresh reports in August 2026 alleged that investigation records linked Sylva to the financing of the purported coup plot and that some individuals associated with him were facing charges over the alleged scheme.
Sylva has denied the allegations and was reported to be outside Nigeria.
The allegations had earlier led to a military operation at his Abuja residence in October 2025. The former governor confirmed that soldiers from Defence Headquarters searched his property but rejected claims that he was involved in a plot against the government, describing the operation as unjustified.
Sylva’s resignation is expected to fuel further political realignment as opposition parties and political actors intensify preparations for the 2027 elections.
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