Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
In a dramatic turn of events that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria's political landscape, former Bayelsa State Governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday, August 31, 2026, accusing the party and the Tinubu administration of abandoning their founding ideals. Within hours of his resignation, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) fired back, summoning him for questioning over an alleged $14.86 million fraud case for which he has been declared wanted since November 2025.
Sylva's resignation, contained in a letter dated August 31, 2026, and addressed to the APC Chairman of Ward 4 in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, was also copied to the EFCC. In a scathing indictment, he declared the party a "floundering ship whose fate appears to have been sealed by its irredeemable load of iniquities". He accused the APC leadership of embracing the philosophy that "all is fair in politics," a mindset he said had underpin virtually every action of the Tinubu administration. "The present Government, formed under the banner of the APC we once loved, has disappointed the vast majority of Nigerians," he wrote.
In a move that underscored his defiance, Sylva deliberately copied the EFCC on his resignation letter, accusing the anti-graft agency of conducting itself "more as an organ of the APC than as an institution of State". He acknowledged the risks, stating, "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". The EFCC responded swiftly. Its spokesman, Dele Oyewale, told journalists on Monday: "He has been declared wanted; he should make himself available to the commission".
The EFCC had declared Sylva wanted in November 2025 over an alleged case of conspiracy and dishonest conversion involving $14,859,257. The case relates to funds allegedly provided by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board for the construction of the Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited. In May 2026, the Federal High Court in Abuja granted an interim forfeiture order covering nine properties linked to him, following an application by the EFCC.
Sylva's resignation also comes amid his reported links to an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu's administration. He has consistently denied involvement in the alleged plot and has not been convicted of any of the allegations.
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