Former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and ex-Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing what he described as the party’s departure from its founding principles and growing disregard for morality in governance and politics.
Sylva announced his decision in a resignation letter dated August 31, 2026, bringing an end to his membership of the ruling party with immediate effect.
The letter, addressed to the APC Chairman of Ward 4 in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State and delivered electronically, followed weeks of political uncertainty surrounding the former minister.
Sylva, who has been accused of involvement in an alleged plot to remove President Bola Tinubu from office and is facing charges related to treason, terrorism and waging war against the Nigerian state, did not address the allegations in his resignation letter. The charges remain allegations before the court.
Instead, the former minister focused on what he described as a deepening crisis of values within the APC and the disappointment many Nigerians feel over the direction of the current administration.
According to him, the decision to leave the party came after extensive consultations with family members, political 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,” he stated.
A founding member of the APC, Sylva recalled the sacrifices made by party loyalists during its formation and early years, saying he had invested significant personal effort and resources in building the party into a national political force.
However, he lamented that the ideals that inspired its creation had been abandoned.
“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.
The former Bayelsa governor also accused the party leadership of embracing a political culture that prioritises power over principle.
According to him, the growing belief that “all is fair in politics” has become entrenched within the party and now influences many decisions taken by those in authority.
“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,” Sylva wrote.
He argued that such an approach runs contrary to the values of fairness, accountability and ethical conduct expected in public service.
“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,” he added.
Sylva's resignation marks a significant political development within the APC, particularly given his status as one of the party’s founding figures and a prominent political leader in the South-South region.
His departure is expected to fuel fresh debate about internal divisions within the ruling party and the broader political landscape ahead of future electoral contests.
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