Timipre Sylva Shocks APC, Dumps Party Ahead of 2027, Blasts EFCC
By Kaka Pere
Former Bayelsa State Governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the ruling party of abandoning the ideals upon which it was founded.
Sylva announced his resignation in a letter dated Monday, August 31, 2026, addressed to the APC Chairman of Ward 4 in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
In the letter, which was electronically delivered, Sylva said his decision followed extensive consultations with his family, associates, colleagues and 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, who described himself as a founding member of the APC, recalled his contributions to building the party and expressed disappointment with what he described as its current direction.
Sylva alleged that the approach of the APC leadership to politics had eroded basic standards of decency and morality, a development he said contributed to his decision to leave the party.
His resignation comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections and is expected to trigger fresh political realignments in Bayelsa State and the wider Niger Delta.
Sylva Blasts EFCC Amid Controversy
Sylva’s resignation also comes amid a long-running controversy involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The former governor was declared wanted by the EFCC in November 2025 over allegations of conspiracy and dishonest conversion involving $14,859,257 in funds belonging to the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).
The funds were reportedly linked to a refinery project involving Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited.
The allegations against Sylva remain subject to due process and judicial determination, and the former governor is presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a competent court.
The EFCC matter has nevertheless continued to attract political attention, particularly given Sylva’s prominence in Bayelsa politics and his previous role in the federal government.
Sylva’s exit from the APC now adds another major development to the unfolding political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections, with attention expected to shift to his next political move and whether his departure will influence emerging alliances in Bayelsa and the Niger Delta.
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