Timipre Sylva Resigns From APC After He Was Declared Wanted

Former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying the party has moved away from the principles that led to its formation.

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

The former governor said he reached the decision after discussing it with his family, associates, colleagues and supporters.

“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 letter reads.

Timipre Sylva, who described himself as a founding member of the APC, said he was disappointed with the direction the party had taken.

*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.

Timipre Sylva’s resignation comes at a time when he is facing several political and legal challenges.

In November 2025, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) declared Sylva wanted over allegations involving conspiracy and the dishonest conversion of $14.85 million.

He was also listed among suspects in an alleged plan to remove President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The federal government subsequently included him as a defendant in a 13-count case linked to the alleged coup plot.

However, Sylva said these issues were not the reason for his resignation.

The ex-governor said he could no longer support what he described as a political culture based on the belief that anything is acceptable in politics.

“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 letter read.

“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 therefore had to leave what he described as a struggling party whose problems appeared difficult to resolve.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general election, the former governor expressed confidence that Nigerians would make a choice that would put the country’s interests first and bring an end to what he called the government’s political “stranglehold”.

Sylva, who previously served as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, also said he had sent a copy of his resignation letter to the EFCC.

He accused the anti-graft agency of failing to maintain its independence, alleging that it had acted more like an arm of the APC than an independent government institution.

The former governor acknowledged that leaving the APC could expose him and his associates to greater pressure.

However, Timipre Sylva said he was prepared to accept the consequences of his decision.

“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 added.

ALSO READ: Timipre Sylva Reacts After EFCC Declared Him Wanted Over Alleged $14.8m Refinery Fraud