Timipre Sylva Resigns From APC Amid Alleged Coup Plot Investigation
Former Bayelsa State Governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), amid allegations linking him to an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
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. He said his decision followed consultations with his family, associates, colleagues and supporters.
The former governor, who described himself as a founding member of the APC, accused the ruling party of abandoning the principles and ideals upon which it was established.
According to him, he could no longer remain in a party whose leaders had embraced the belief that “all is fair in politics,” arguing that political calculations should not override basic standards of decency and morality.
Sylva also criticised the administration of President Tinubu, alleging that the APC-led government had disappointed the majority of Nigerians and that he could see neither a credible effort nor the possibility of reversing what he described as the government’s failures.
He expressed confidence that Nigerians would vote for change in the 2027 general elections, saying he had chosen to leave what he described as a “floundering ship.”
The resignation comes as Sylva faces allegations over an alleged plot against the Federal Government. Reports have linked him to the purported coup investigation, although Sylva has consistently denied involvement and described the allegations as false.
He has also been declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over separate allegations involving the alleged conspiracy and dishonest conversion of $14.86 million belonging to the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB). The allegations remain subject to legal proceedings.
Interestingly, Sylva copied the EFCC in his resignation letter, saying he was aware that the move could expose him and his associates to increased scrutiny but that he was willing to take the risk.
Sylva served as Bayelsa governor from 2007 to 2012 and later became Minister of State for Petroleum Resources under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
