Sylva Resigns From APC, Says Tinubu Govt Has Disappointed Nigerians

Former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and former Bayelsa State Governor, Chief Timipre Sylva, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing concerns over the direction of the party and the performance of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration.

Sylva 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.

The letter, which was electronically delivered, was also copied to the National Chairman of the APC, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the APC Chairman in Bayelsa State.

Sylva, who described himself as a founding member of the APC, said he arrived at the decision after consultations with his family, associates, colleagues and supporters.

He said it was “deeply saddening” to witness what he described as the erosion of the ideals upon which the APC was founded.

“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,” he stated.

The former governor also criticised what he described as the party leadership’s belief that “all is fair in politics,” arguing that such a philosophy was inconsistent with basic decency and morality.

He said the mentality had allegedly influenced actions and inactions of the present administration.

According to Sylva, the APC-led Federal Government had disappointed the majority of Nigerians, adding that he could see neither a credible effort nor the possibility of turning the administration around.

“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,” he said.

He described his resignation as an attempt to abandon a “floundering ship” and expressed confidence that Nigerians would vote for change in the 2027 general elections.

“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,” Sylva stated.

The former minister also explained why he copied the EFCC in his resignation letter, saying he was aware that the decision could expose him and his associates to further scrutiny by the anti-graft agency.

“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.

Sylva’s resignation comes amid 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 investigations into an alleged coup plot uncovered in 2025. Sylva has consistently denied involvement, describing the allegations as false.

The alleged plot resulted in the arrest and prosecution of several military and civilian suspects. In April 2026, six defendants were arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges including treason, terrorism and money laundering, while Sylva was named in connection with the wider investigation.

Reports in August 2026 also alleged that Sylva was linked to the financing of the purported coup plot. He has, however, denied the allegations.

The controversy had earlier led to a military operation at Sylva’s Abuja residence in October 2025. The former governor confirmed that soldiers from Defence Headquarters searched the property but rejected allegations that he was involved in any attempt to overthrow the government.