Former Bayelsa State Governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress.
Sylva, a founding member of the APC, said he could no longer remain in the party. He said its leaders had abandoned the principles that led to its formation.
He announced his resignation in a letter dated August 31, 2026. Sylva sent the letter electronically to the APC Ward 4 Chairman in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The former minister also copied the APC National Chairman, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Bayelsa State chairman of the party.
Sylva explains reason for resignation
Sylva said he made the decision after consulting his family, associates, colleagues and supporters.
He recalled his role in building the APC. He also expressed disappointment over what he described as the party’s abandonment of its 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.”
The former governor also criticised the conduct of some APC leaders. He accused them of embracing the belief that “all is fair in politics”.
Sylva argued that such an approach was inconsistent with basic decency and morality.
“All cannot be fair in any endeavour of life. The demands of basic decency and morality forbid it.”
Former minister criticises Tinubu government
Sylva also criticised the APC-led Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu.
He said the administration had disappointed most Nigerians. He also questioned whether it could still reverse what he described as its failures.
“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,” Sylva stated.
He said the situation had left him with no option but to leave the party.
The former minister described the APC as a “floundering ship”. He said its future appeared uncertain because of what he called its “irredeemable load of iniquities”.
Sylva urges Nigerians to vote for change
Sylva also expressed confidence that Nigerians would use the 2027 general election to change the country’s political direction.
He urged voters to put Nigeria ahead of political parties when choosing their candidates.
“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.”
His resignation comes ahead of the 2027 general election. Opposition parties are seeking to challenge the APC at the federal and state levels.
Sylva accuses EFCC of political bias
Sylva also criticised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in his resignation letter.
He alleged that the anti-graft agency had recently acted more like an organ of the ruling APC. According to him, it had not conducted itself as an independent government institution.
“I am deliberately putting the EFCC in a copy of this letter because, of late, it has conducted itself more as an organ of the APC than as an institution of State.”
The former minister acknowledged that his decision could expose him and his associates to further scrutiny.
He said he was prepared to accept the consequences of leaving the ruling party.
“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 faces coup-related allegations
Sylva is currently outside Nigeria and faces trial in absentia over allegations that he financed a coup against President Bola Tinubu.
He has denied the allegation and maintained his innocence.
Before his resignation, several politicians associated with Sylva had also left the APC in Bayelsa State. Their departures came ahead of the 2027 election.
His running mate in the 2023 Bayelsa governorship election, Joshua Maclver, was among those who previously defected from the APC.
Sylva’s resignation now adds to the political realignments within the APC and opposition camps ahead of the 2027 general election.
