Former Bayelsa State Governor and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing what he described as the ruling party’s departure from its founding ideals.

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

The former governor said his decision followed extensive consultations with members of his family, associates, colleagues and supporters.

“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 stated.

Sylva, who described himself as a founding member of the APC, recalled his role in the formation and development of the party.

However, he expressed disappointment with the direction of the party under its current leadership, alleging that its political approach had undermined the principles upon which the APC was established.

According to him, the party’s conduct had eroded “basic standards of decency and morality,” a development he said made his continued membership untenable.

His resignation comes amid controversies surrounding allegations linking him to an alleged plot to overthrow the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The allegations have generated heightened attention around the former minister, although he has not been convicted of any offence in connection with the alleged plot.

Sylva has also previously faced scrutiny from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In November 2025, the anti-graft agency declared him wanted over allegations bordering on conspiracy and dishonest conversion involving $14,859,257 in funds belonging to the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

The funds were allegedly connected to a refinery project involving Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited.