BREAKING: Timipre Sylva Quits APC, Says Tinubu Government Has Disappointed Nigerians

Former Bayelsa State Governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring that the party has abandoned the ideals on which it was founded.

Sylva, a founding member of the APC, announced his resignation in a letter dated August 31, 2026, addressed to the APC chairman of Ward 4 in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

Copies of the letter were also sent to the APC National Chairman, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Chairman of the APC in Bayelsa State.

The former governor said his decision followed extensive consultations with his family, associates, colleagues and supporters.

He said he could no longer remain in a party whose leaders, in his view, had embraced the philosophy that “all is fair in politics.”

Sylva expressed disappointment over what he described as the erosion of the ideals that informed the formation of the APC.

“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.

He further criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu, accusing it of disappointing the majority of Nigerians.

“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 he was therefore left with no option but to leave what he described as a “floundering ship.”

“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 use the 2027 general elections to change the political direction of the country.

“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 stated.

Sylva Copies EFCC

The former petroleum minister also drew attention to his decision to copy the EFCC in his resignation letter.

Sylva said he was aware that leaving the ruling party could expose him and his associates to increased scrutiny by the anti-graft agency but maintained that he was prepared to face whatever consequences might follow.

“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.

Resignation Amid Coup Plot Allegations

Sylva’s resignation comes against the backdrop of allegations linking him to an alleged plot to overthrow the Tinubu administration.

The Federal Government had previously named the former Bayelsa governor as a suspect in connection with an alleged coup plot uncovered in 2025.

Sylva has consistently denied involvement in the alleged plot, describing the allegations as false.

The investigation led to the arrest and prosecution of several military and civilian suspects. Six defendants were arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja in April 2026 on charges including treason, terrorism and money laundering.

Sylva was also named in connection with the wider investigation, while subsequent reports in August alleged that he was linked to the financing of the purported plot.

His resignation from the APC now adds a fresh political dimension to the controversy surrounding the former governor as the country moves towards the 2027 general elections.