Ex-Petroleum Minister, Timipre Sylva, Quits APC

Former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief 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.

The former Bayelsa State governor, who described himself as a founding member of the APC, said the decision followed consultations with family, associates and sympathisers.

He accused the ruling party of abandoning its founding principles, saying it was deeply saddening to see the ideals he and others built the party on being thoroughly thwarted.

Sylva also criticised what he called the belief among APC leaders that “all is fair in politics,” arguing that such an approach is incompatible with decency and morality.

“The present Government, formed under the banner of the APC we once loved, has disappointed the vast majority of Nigerians. I can see neither a credible attempt nor any possibility of a revamp,” he said.

He said he was left with no choice than to “jettison a floundering ship whose fate appears to have been sealed by its irredeemable load of iniquities.”

“I have no doubt that, in the coming election, Nigerians will vote for Nigeria and free the country from this stranglehold,” Sylva added.

The former minister also copied the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in the letter, accusing the agency of acting more as an organ of the APC than a state institution.

He said he was aware his resignation could invite a witch-hunt but was prepared to face the consequences.

“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 stated.

Sylva’s exit comes ahead of the 2027 general elections.