Former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress, accusing the ruling party of abandoning the principles upon which it was founded.
Sylva, a founding member of the APC, announced his resignation in a letter dated August 31, 2026, addressed to the party chairman of Ward 4 in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The former governor said his decision followed consultations with his family, associates, colleagues and supporters, adding that he could no longer continue as a member of 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,” Sylva said.
He recalled his role in the formation and development of the APC, stressing that he had contributed to building the party from its early days.
However, Sylva expressed disappointment with the direction of the party, alleging that its current approach to politics had departed from the ideals that informed its formation.
According to him, the conduct of the party’s leadership had eroded what he described as basic standards of decency and morality in political engagement.
His resignation comes amid controversies surrounding the former governor, including an alleged link to a purported plot against the administration of President Bola Tinubu. Sylva has not been convicted of any offence in relation to the allegation.
The former minister was also declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in November 2025 over allegations concerning the alleged diversion of $14.86m belonging to the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board for a refinery project involving Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited.
The resignation marks a significant political development in Bayelsa, given Sylva’s status as a former governor and founding member of the ruling APC.
