Former Bayelsa State Governor and immediate past Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the ruling party of abandoning the ideals upon which it was founded.
Sylva, a founding member of the APC, announced his resignation in a letter dated August 31, 2026, addressed to the APC Ward 4 Chairman in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, his home ward.
The former governor said his decision followed extensive consultations with his family, associates, colleagues and supporters.
He also copied the APC National Chairman, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Bayelsa State Chairman of the party.
Sylva recalled his contributions to the formation and growth of the APC, but said he was disappointed by what he described as the “thorough and unrecognisable” abandonment of the party’s founding ideals.
“Having consulted widely with my family, associates, colleagues and sympathisers, I wish to formally tender my resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC), with immediate effect,” he stated.
The former minister also criticised the conduct of some APC leaders, saying he could no longer remain in a party whose leaders allegedly operate on the belief that “all is fair in politics.”
He argued that political activities should still be guided by basic standards of decency and morality.
Sylva Criticises APC Government
Sylva further accused the APC-led Federal Government of disappointing the majority of Nigerians.
He expressed doubts about the possibility of reversing what he described as the government’s failures, saying he was therefore compelled to leave what he called a “floundering ship.”
“The present Government, formed under the banner of the APC we once loved, has disappointed the vast majority of Nigerians,” he said.
He added that he could see neither a credible attempt nor any possibility of a meaningful revamp.
Sylva also expressed confidence that Nigerians would use the next general election to change the country’s political direction.
“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 stated.
Accuses EFCC of Political Conduct
The former minister also raised concerns about the activities of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
He said he deliberately copied the EFCC in his resignation letter because, in his view, the agency had recently conducted itself more like an organ of the APC than an independent institution of the state.
Sylva acknowledged that his resignation could expose him and his associates to increased scrutiny or investigation.
“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.
Loyalists Had Earlier Left APC
Sylva’s resignation comes ahead of the 2027 general elections, following the defection of several of his loyalists from the APC to opposition parties in Bayelsa State.
Among those who previously left the party was Joshua Maclver, Sylva’s running mate during the 2023 Bayelsa governorship election.
Several other APC members loyal to Sylva have also reportedly defected, alleging that they were being marginalised within the party they helped build.
Sylva served as governor of Bayelsa State from 2007 to 2012 before becoming Minister of State for Petroleum Resources.
The former minister is currently outside Nigeria and is facing trial in absentia over allegations of financing a coup against the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Sylva has denied the allegation and maintained his innocence.
