Timipre Sylva Resigns from APC, Accuses Party of Abandoning Founding Ideals

Former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and ex-Governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) with immediate effect.

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

The former governor said his decision followed wide consultations with his family, associates, colleagues and sympathisers.
Sylva, who described himself as one of the founding members of the APC, accused the party’s current leadership of abandoning the principles and ideals upon which the party was built.

According to him, it was painful to witness what he described as the erosion of the values that initially attracted many Nigerians to the party.

He said he could no longer remain in a political party whose leaders, in his view, had adopted the belief that “all is fair in politics,” arguing that morality and decency must remain important in public life.
The former minister also criticised the current administration, alleging that the Federal Government formed under the APC had disappointed a large number of Nigerians.

Sylva described the ruling party as a “floundering ship,” saying he saw no credible effort or possibility of a meaningful revival.

He consequently expressed confidence that Nigerians would make a different political choice in the 2027 general election.
Copies of his resignation letter were sent to the APC national leadership, the Bayelsa State chapter of the party and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Sylva also accused the EFCC of allegedly acting more like a political organ of the APC than an independent institution of the state.
He said he was aware that his decision to leave the ruling party could lead to increased scrutiny of himself and his associates but maintained that he was prepared to face any consequences.

Sylva’s resignation marks a major political development involving one of the prominent figures associated with the formation and growth of the APC, as political activities and realignments continue to gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general election.