Former Petroleum Minister, Sylva resigns from APC

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

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

He stated that the decision followed extensive consultations with his family, associates, colleagues, and supporters.

The former governor, who identified himself as a founding member of the APC, expressed deep sadness over what he described as the complete abandonment of the founding ideals of the party.

According to Sylva, he could no longer remain in a political organization whose leadership acts without ethical restraint.

“Moreover, 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.

He added that political conduct should always be guided by fundamental standards of decency and morality.

Sylva also criticized the APC-led Federal Government, asserting that it has disappointed the vast majority of Nigerians and that he sees neither a credible plan nor any possibility of economic and social revival.

Describing the APC as a floundering ship, he noted that he was left with no choice but to sever ties with the ruling party.

The former governor further expressed confidence that Nigerians will choose a different political path in the next general elections, voting to free the country from what he termed the party’s stranglehold.

In an additional development, Sylva copied the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in his resignation letter, accusing the anti-graft agency of behaving more as an organ of the APC than as an institution of state.

He acknowledged that his decision might expose him and his associates to a redoubled witch-hunt, but maintained that he is fully prepared to bear the risks.

Copies of the letter were also delivered to the APC National Chairman and the Bayelsa State Chairman of the party.