Sylva Dumps APC, Says Nigerians Will End Party’s Grip In 2027

Former Bayelsa State Governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the ruling party of abandoning the ideals on which it was founded.

Sylva, a founding member of the APC, announced his resignation in a letter dated August 31, 2026, addressed to the APC chairman in Ward 4, Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. The letter was also copied to the party’s national and state chairmen as well as the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He said the decision followed consultations with his family, associates, colleagues and sympathisers, adding that he could no longer remain in a party whose leaders, in his view, had embraced the belief that “all is fair in politics.”

Sylva recalled his contribution to the formation and growth of the APC but expressed disappointment over what he described as the abandonment of the principles that initially attracted him and other Nigerians to the party.

“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.

He added that it was “deeply saddening” to see the ideals upon which the party was built “so thoroughly and unrecognisably thwarted.”

Sylva further argued that political expediency could not justify every action, saying basic standards of decency and morality should remain applicable in politics.

“All cannot be fair in any endeavour of life. The demands of basic decency and morality forbid it,” he said.

The former governor also took aim at the APC-led Federal Government, accusing it of disappointing the majority of Nigerians and expressing doubt that it could reverse what he described as its failures.

“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 stated.

He consequently likened his departure to abandoning a “floundering ship” whose fate, he claimed, had already been sealed.

Sylva also looked ahead to the 2027 general election, expressing confidence that voters would reject the ruling party and change the political direction of the country.

“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,” he said.

The former minister also accused the EFCC of increasingly acting as though it were an arm of the ruling party rather than an independent state institution.

He explained that he deliberately copied the commission in his resignation letter because of its recent conduct.

“Of late, it has conducted itself more as an organ of the APC than as an institution of State,” Sylva alleged.

He acknowledged that his decision to leave the APC could expose him and his associates to increased scrutiny, but said he was prepared to face the consequences.

“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 stated.

Sylva’s resignation comes amid political tensions in Bayelsa ahead of the 2027 elections. Several of his loyalists have reportedly left the APC for opposition parties, including his 2023 running mate, Joshua MacIver, who defected earlier this year.

His exit also comes against the backdrop of legal controversies. Sylva has been linked by the Federal Government to an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration and has denied involvement in the alleged scheme. He has also faced an EFCC investigation over an alleged financial offence.

The former governor served as Bayelsa State governor from 2007 to 2012 and later became Minister of State for Petroleum Resources.

His resignation is likely to trigger further political realignments in Bayelsa and add to the opposition’s efforts to challenge the APC’s dominance ahead of the 2027 elections.