Former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the ruling party of abandoning its founding ideals and the Federal Government of disappointing most Nigerians.
Sylva, who is facing charges bordering on treason and terrorism over an alleged plot to oust President Bola Tinubu, announced his resignation in a strongly worded letter dated August 31, 2026, saying he could no longer remain in a party whose leaders had, in his view, embraced the philosophy that “all is fair in politics.“
The letter, delivered electronically and addressed to the APC Chairman of Ward 4 in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, took immediate effect.
Sylva, a former Bayelsa State governor who described himself as a founding member of the APC, said he reached the decision after consulting his family, associates, colleagues and supporters.
“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, adding: “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 Calls The APC A “Floundering Ship”
The former minister criticised the Tinubu-led Federal Government directly, alleging it had disappointed the vast majority of Nigerians with little sign of change.
“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 said, describing the party as a “floundering ship” he was left with no choice but to leave.
He expressed confidence that Nigerians would seek a different political direction in the next election. “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 added.
Sylva Accuses EFCC Of Acting Like A Party Organ
In an unusual move, Sylva copied the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigeria's anti-corruption agency, on his resignation letter, alleging it had become increasingly partisan. “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 alleged.
He acknowledged the risk his decision carried. “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. The letter was also copied to the APC National Chairman, the Executive Chairman of the EFCC and the Bayelsa State Chairman of the APC.
Sylva, who served as governor of Bayelsa State from 2007 to 2012 and later as a federal minister, remains one of the most prominent political figures from the Niger Delta region.
His resignation, coming amid the treason-related charges against him, adds a fresh layer of political tension to the build-up toward the 2027 general election, as political realignments gather pace across the country’s major parties.
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