Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Former Bayelsa State Governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, has formally resigned his membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), delivering a blistering indictment of the ruling party and the administration of President Bola Tinubu. In a strongly worded resignation letter dated August 31, 2026, and electronically transmitted to the APC Chairman of Ward 4 in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Sylva declared that he could no longer remain in a party he helped build but which he now believes has abandoned its founding ideals.
Sylva, a founding member of the APC who contributed his "sweat and money" to its formation, said his decision followed extensive consultations with family, associates, colleagues and sympathisers. He expressed deep sadness over what he described as the thorough and unrecognisable abandonment of the principles that initially attracted him and other Nigerians to 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," Sylva stated.
The former governor launched a direct attack on the party's leadership, specifically rejecting the philosophy that "all is fair in politics." He argued that such a mindset was inconsistent with basic standards of decency and morality and alleged that it had become evident in virtually every action and inaction of the present administration. "All cannot be fair in any endeavour of life. The demands of basic decency and morality forbid it. Unfortunately, this mentality appears to underpin virtually every action, and even inaction, of this administration," he said.
Sylva did not stop at criticising the party's internal culture. He delivered a sharp indictment of the Tinubu administration, asserting that the government formed under the APC banner had disappointed the vast majority of Nigerians. He expressed doubt about the possibility of reversing 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 declared. He said he was consequently left with no choice but to abandon what he called a "floundering ship whose fate appears to have been sealed by its irredeemable load of iniquities."
In a significant move, Sylva deliberately copied the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on his resignation letter, accusing the anti-graft agency of increasingly acting in the interest of the ruling party rather than as an independent institution of state. "I am deliberately putting the EFCC in copy of this letter because, of late, it has conducted itself more as an organ of the APC than as an institution of State," he said. He acknowledged that his resignation could expose him and his associates to further scrutiny or investigation, but declared he was prepared to face the consequences. "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 added.
Sylva's departure comes amid escalating legal and political troubles. In November 2025, the EFCC declared him wanted over an alleged case involving conspiracy and dishonest conversion of $14.86 million. He has also been named as a co-defendant in a 13-count treasonable charge filed by the Federal Government over an alleged plot to topple President Tinubu's administration. Despite these challenges, Sylva expressed confidence that Nigerians would use the 2027 general election to alter 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 said.
Sylva served as governor of Bayelsa State from 2007 to 2012 and later as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources. His resignation marks a significant blow to the APC in the South-South region, where the party has been struggling to maintain its footing. He is the latest in a series of high-profile defections that have hit the ruling party ahead of the 2027 elections, raising questions about its ability to retain its core supporters and present a united front.
The APC has yet to issue an official response to Sylva's resignation. However, his departure is likely to be seen as a significant setback for the party, particularly given his status as a founding member and his political influence in Bayelsa State. As the 2027 elections approach, Sylva's decision to leave and his call for Nigerians to vote out the ruling party could have implications for the political landscape in the South-South and beyond.
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