By Our Correspondent
Former Bayelsa State Governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, has dramatically resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), delivering a fresh political shockwave ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
Sylva, a prominent founding member of the ruling party, announced his resignation on Monday, August 31, 2026, saying he could no longer remain in a political organisation which, in his view, had abandoned the ideals and principles upon which it was founded.
His resignation takes effect immediately and comes at a particularly turbulent period for the former governor, who is facing serious allegations and legal controversies involving federal authorities.
In his resignation letter addressed to the APC chairman of Ward 4 in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Sylva said his decision followed consultations with his family, associates, political colleagues and supporters.
But beyond the formal resignation was a much stronger political message.
Sylva did not simply walk away from the APC. He launched a stinging attack on the direction of the party and the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing the ruling party of losing its way.
The former governor said the APC he helped build had been transformed into something far removed from the political movement that brought its founding members together.
According to him, the principles that originally inspired the formation of the APC had been thoroughly and unrecognisably abandoned.
Sylva further expressed disappointment with the Tinubu administration, arguing that the government had failed to meet the expectations of a large section of Nigerians.
His most explosive declaration, however, was directed at the 2027 presidential election.
Sylva predicted that Nigerians would use the ballot box to reject the present political order and vote for a change in government.
His statement immediately adds a new dimension to the growing political battle over the future of Nigeria, with political parties and influential politicians already positioning themselves for the 2027 contest.
The former governor’s decision is particularly significant because of his history within the APC.
He is not a political outsider who has spent years attacking the ruling party from the opposition benches. He was part of the political movement that helped establish the APC and later served at the federal level under an APC administration.
His departure therefore raises questions about whether other influential politicians who share his concerns could also reconsider their positions as the 2027 elections draw closer.
Sylva’s resignation also comes amid a complicated legal battle involving federal authorities.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, previously declared him wanted in connection with allegations involving about $14.859 million.
The allegations concern funds reportedly linked to the construction of the Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited.
Sylva has denied wrongdoing and has challenged the manner in which the allegations against him have been handled.
The situation became even more politically explosive after the former governor was also named in connection with an alleged plot to overthrow President Tinubu’s government.
He has denied involvement in any attempt to destabilise or overthrow the government.
The allegations remain subject to legal proceedings, and Sylva has not been convicted of the offences alleged against him.
Against this background, his decision to resign from the APC has attracted considerable attention because it comes at a time when his relationship with federal authorities is already under intense scrutiny.
Sylva has also criticised the EFCC, accusing the anti-corruption agency of acting more like a political arm of the ruling APC than an independent institution of the Nigerian state.
The accusation is a serious one and is likely to intensify the controversy surrounding the former governor.
Despite the pressure surrounding him, Sylva appears determined to remain politically active.
His resignation could signal the beginning of a new political chapter for the former Bayelsa governor, with speculation likely to grow over whether he will join another political party, support an opposition coalition or work with other political forces seeking to challenge the APC in 2027.
For the Tinubu administration and the APC, Sylva’s departure could not have come at a more politically sensitive moment.
The ruling party is expected to face a tough electoral battle as opposition forces attempt to unite and present a stronger challenge in the next presidential election.
The coming months are likely to witness intense negotiations, political defections, new alliances and strategic realignments across the country.
Sylva’s latest move could therefore become part of a much bigger political story.
For now, the former governor has made his position clear.
He has walked away from the APC, criticised the direction of the ruling party and declared that Nigerians will have the final say in 2027.
Whether his prediction becomes reality will ultimately be decided by the Nigerian electorate.
But one thing is certain: the race for 2027 is gathering momentum, and Timipre Sylva has just fired one of the latest political shots.
As Nigeria inches closer to another decisive election, the question now is not simply who will contest, but who will survive the coming wave of political realignments.
Sylva has made his move.
The battle for 2027 has only just begun.
