Former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the ruling party of abandoning its founding ideals and the Federal Government of disappointing the majority of Nigerians.

Sylva is accused of being one of those who allegedly plotted a coup to oust President Bola Tinubu and has been charged with waging a war against Nigeria and committing acts bordering on treason and terrorism.

However, in a strongly worded resignation letter dated August 31, 2026, Sylva said he could no longer remain in a party whose leaders had, in his view, embraced the philosophy that “all is fair in politics.”

The letter, electronically delivered and addressed to the APC Chairman of Ward 4 in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, took immediate effect.

The former Bayelsa State governor, who described himself as a founding member of the APC, said he reached the decision after 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,” Sylva said.

He recalled contributing to the formation and development of the APC but expressed disappointment over what he described as the erosion of the principles upon which the party was founded.

“As a founding member of the APC, and one who joined other well-meaning Nigerians in building the Party with sweat and money, it is deeply saddening to witness how the ideals we espoused have been so thoroughly and unrecognisably thwarted,” he said.

Sylva also criticised the party’s leadership, arguing that its approach to politics had undermined basic standards of decency and morality.

“I cannot, in all good conscience, continue to belong to a Party whose leaders believe that ‘all is fair in politics;’ and have consistently demonstrated that belief in practice,” he said.

“All cannot be fair in any endeavour of life. The demands of basic decency and morality forbid it. Unfortunately, this mentality appears to underpin virtually every action, and even inaction, of this administration.”

The former minister also criticised the Federal Government formed under the APC, alleging that it had disappointed most Nigerians and showed little prospect of changing course.

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

He described the APC as a “floundering ship,” saying he was left with no option but to leave the party.

“I am therefore left with no other choice than to jettison a floundering ship whose fate appears to have been sealed by its irredeemable load of iniquities,” he said.

Sylva also expressed confidence that Nigerians would seek a different political direction in the next election.

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

The former minister notably copied the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in his resignation letter, accusing the anti-graft agency of becoming increasingly partisan.

“I am deliberately putting the EFCC in copy of this letter because, of late, it has conducted itself more as an organ of the APC than as an institution of State,” Sylva alleged.

He acknowledged that his decision to leave the ruling party and criticise the EFCC could result in increased scrutiny of himself and his associates.

“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 said.

The letter was copied to the National Chairman of the APC, the Executive Chairman of the EFCC and the Bayelsa State Chairman of the APC.

Sylva, who served as governor of Bayelsa State from 2007 to 2012, is a prominent political figure in the Niger Delta. His resignation comes as political alignments gather pace ahead of the next electoral cycle.

(Arise News)