Breaking: Ex-governor Timipre Sylva resigns from APC

Former governor of Bayelsa State and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Sylva announced his resignation in a letter dated August 31, 2026, addressed to the APC chairman of Ward 4 in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

Sylva cites departure from founding ideals

In the resignation letter, Sylva described himself as a founding member of the APC but expressed dissatisfaction with the direction of the party under its current leadership.

He alleged that the party had drifted away from the ideals upon which it was established, saying its current approach to politics had weakened standards of decency and morality.

Sylva said his decision to leave the party followed extensive consultations with members of 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.

Former governor criticises APC leadership

The former governor also took a swipe at the leadership of the ruling party, alleging that its style of politics had contributed to the erosion of basic standards of decency and morality.

His resignation marks a significant political development in Bayelsa, given his previous roles as governor of the state and minister at the federal level.

Sylva’s political background

Sylva served as governor of Bayelsa State and later held the position of Minister of State for Petroleum Resources.

He was also involved in the formation and development of the APC and has remained a prominent figure in the party’s political structure.

The former governor was reportedly linked to allegations surrounding an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu’s administration in 2025, although the circumstances surrounding those allegations have remained a subject of political controversy.

His decision to leave the APC is expected to generate further reactions within the party and across the political landscape in Bayelsa State.