Former Bayelsa Governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources resigns from ruling party, cites departure from founding ideals
ABUJA — Former Bayelsa State Governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring that the party has departed from the principles upon which it was founded.
Sylva announced his resignation in a letter addressed to the APC Chairman of Ward 4 in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The former governor, who described himself as a founding member of the APC, said his decision followed consultations with his family, associates, colleagues and political supporters.
He expressed disappointment over what he described as the distortion and abandonment of the party’s founding ideals, saying he could no longer continue to remain within the APC.
Sylva also criticised what he described as the prevailing political philosophy that “all is fair in politics,” arguing that it had contributed to the erosion of the values he believed the APC was established to uphold.
The former minister further criticised the APC-led Federal Government, alleging that its performance had left many Nigerians disappointed.
Describing the APC as a “floundering ship,” Sylva said its current state was burdened by what he called an “irredeemable load of iniquities.”
He expressed confidence that Nigerians would have the opportunity to determine a new political direction through the 2027 general elections.
In another significant part of his resignation letter, Sylva copied the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), raising concerns over what he described as the agency’s perceived closeness to the ruling party.
He acknowledged that his decision could expose him and his associates to increased scrutiny but maintained that he was prepared to face whatever consequences might follow his resignation.
