Timipre Sylva, former governor of Bayelsa, has announced his resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Sylva, in a resignation letter dated August 31, 2026, said his decision followed consultations with his family, associates, colleagues and sympathisers.
“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 statement reads.
“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.” NigerianPolitical Analysis
Sylva also criticised the party’s leadership, arguing that its approach to politics had undermined basic standards of decency and morality.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
The former minister also criticised the Federal Government formed under the APC, alleging that it had disappointed most Nigerians and showed little prospect of changing course.
“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 said.
He described the APC as a “floundering ship,” saying he was left with no option but to leave the party.
“I am therefore left with no other choice than to jettison a floundering ship whose fate appears to have been sealed by its irredeemable load of iniquities,” he said.
Sylva also 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.
The former minister notably copied the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in his resignation letter, accusing the anti-graft agency of becoming 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,” Sylva alleged.
He acknowledged that his decision to leave the ruling party and criticise the EFCC could result in increased scrutiny of himself and his associates.
“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 copied to the National Chairman of the APC, 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, is a prominent political figure in the Niger Delta.
In November 2025, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) declared Sylva wanted in connection with an alleged case of conspiracy and dishonest conversion of $14,859,257.
Sylva was also named as a suspect in the alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu.
He is one of the defendants listed in the 13-count charge filed by the federal government over the alleged plot to topple the government.