Timipre Sylva, former Bayelsa State governor and founding member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has officially resigned from the party.
Sylva announced his exit through a resignation letter submitted to the APC chairman of Ward 4 in Brass Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, citing the party’s departure from its foundational ideals and systemic failures within the current administration.
The high-profile departure comes amid escalating legal and political troubles for the former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources.
In November 2025, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) declared him wanted over an alleged conspiracy and dishonest conversion of $14.86m.
Federal authorities also named Sylva as a co-defendant in a 13-count treasonable charge linked to an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Sylva explained in his resignation statement that his decision followed extensive consultations with family, political associates, and supporters. He expressed deep regret over the trajectory of the APC, a party he helped build with sweat and money, stating that its core ideals have been thoroughly and unrecognisably thwarted.
Levelling harsh criticism at the APC-led federal government, Sylva said that the administration has disappointed the vast majority of citizens.
He repudiated the political philosophy of the current leadership, rejecting the notion that all is fair in politics and citing a lack of basic decency and morality in the administration’s conduct. Viewing no possibility of an internal turnaround, Sylva described his exit as leaving a floundering ship whose fate appears sealed by an irredeemable load of iniquities.
Directing sharp criticism at state institutions, Sylva confirmed that he forwarded a copy of his resignation letter to the EFCC. He accused the anti-graft agency of operating as an extension of the APC rather than an independent state body. Acknowledging that his resignation might trigger political retribution, Sylva stated he was fully prepared for a redoubled witch-hunt against himself and his allies.
Looking ahead, the former governor expressed optimism for the nation’s political future, voicing confidence that voters will reject the ruling party in the upcoming general election to free the country from its current stranglehold.
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