Former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing what he described as the party’s abandonment of its founding ideals and the Federal Government’s failure to meet the expectations of Nigerians.
Sylva announced his resignation in a letter addressed to the APC chairman in Ward 4, Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, on Monday. He said the decision followed extensive consultations with his family, associates, colleagues and political sympathisers.
“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 described himself as a founding member of the APC who, alongside other Nigerians, contributed significantly to the establishment and development of the party.
He expressed disappointment over what he said was the erosion of the principles upon which the party was founded.
“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,” Sylva said.
His resignation comes amid legal and political controversies surrounding him. In November 2025, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) declared Sylva wanted in connection with an alleged case involving conspiracy and the dishonest conversion of $14,859,257.
He was also listed among suspects in an alleged plot to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu. The Federal Government subsequently filed a 13-count charge relating to the alleged plot, with Sylva named among the defendants.
Sylva, however, said his decision to leave the APC was primarily driven by his opposition to what he described as a political mentality that holds that “all is fair 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,” he said.
He further criticised the APC-led administration, arguing that the government had disappointed a significant proportion of Nigerians and showing little prospect of reform.
“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.
Sylva said he consequently had no option but to leave what he described as a “floundering ship” whose prospects had been undermined by what he called an “irredeemable load of iniquities”.
Looking ahead to the next general election, the former governor expressed confidence that Nigerians would make a decisive political choice.
He said he believed voters would “vote for Nigeria” and seek to free the country from what he described as the present political “stranglehold”.
Sylva also disclosed that he had forwarded a copy of his resignation letter to the EFCC. He accused the anti-graft agency of acting more like an instrument of the APC than an independent state institution.
“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.
Sylva’s resignation represents a significant political development in Bayelsa, coming from a former governor and founding member of the ruling party. His departure could further shape political alignments in the state ahead of the forthcoming general elections.
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