In a major political shakeup, former Bayelsa State Governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, has officially dumped the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a fiery resignation letter dated August 31, 2026, Sylva pulled no punches, describing the APC as a “floundering ship” laden with “irredeemable iniquities” and accusing President Bola Tinubu’s administration of failing the Nigerian people.
However, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) swiftly hit back, urging the wanted politician to stop hurling allegations and turn himself in over an alleged $14.86 million fraud case.
“A Floundering Ship”: Sylva’s Resignation Letter
Sylva’s resignation notice—addressed to his Ward 4 APC Chairman in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State—was delivered electronically and copied to the APC National Chairman, the Bayelsa State APC Chairman, and notably, the Executive Chairman of the EFCC.
Explaining his departure, Sylva stated that the founding ideals of the APC had been severely compromised:
“As a founding member of the APC… it is deeply saddening to witness how the ideals we espoused have been so thoroughly and unrecognisably thwarted. I cannot, in all good conscience, continue to belong to a Party whose leaders believe that ‘all is fair in politics’… The present Government, formed under the banner of the APC we once loved, has disappointed the vast majority of Nigerians.”
Sylva explained that he deliberately copied the EFCC on his resignation letter because he believes the commission has turned into an arm of the ruling party, anticipating that his resignation will trigger a “redoubled witch-hunt” against him and his associates.
EFCC Fires Back: “He Should Make Himself Available”
Reacting to Sylva’s political allegations, EFCC Spokesman Dele Oyewale dismissed the claims and reiterated the agency’s position regarding the former minister’s fugitive status:
“He has been declared wanted; he should make himself available to the commission.”
Key Legal Battles and Allegations Surrounding Timipre Sylva
Sylva’s departure from the APC comes amid a growing web of legal troubles, investigative raids, and asset forfeitures:
| Legal / Investigative Action | Key Details & Case Status |
| EFCC Wanted Declaration | Declared wanted in November 2025 regarding alleged conspiracy and dishonest conversion of $14,859,257. |
| Interim Asset Forfeiture | In May 2026, the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the interim forfeiture of 9 properties linked to Sylva. |
| Treason & Plot Investigation | Named as a defendant “still at large” in a 13-count federal charge alleging treason, terrorism-related offences, and money laundering tied to an alleged plot against the Tinubu administration. |
| Financier Allegations | Investigators allege Sylva contributed ~₦785m through Purple Waves Limited out of a pooled ₦5bn plot fund, linked to NDDC contracts and loans. |
| Associate Prosecutions | In July 2026, the DSS arraigned five of Sylva’s associates for allegedly concealing his whereabouts; all pleaded not guilty and received bail. |
Sylva, who reportedly left the country after federal raids were conducted on his Abuja residence, has consistently denied all involvement in the alleged plot and financial crimes. The allegations remain subject to ongoing judicial proceedings.
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