Sylva Aide Dismisses ‘Coup Link’, Blames 2027 Politicians For Rumour Mill

Chief Julius Bokoru, media aide to former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, has dismissed as “baseless and politically-scripted” insinuations that his principal is connected to any coup plot.

Bokoru said the allegations were the handiwork of “desperate 2027 ambition-pursuing politicians” who regard Sylva as a major obstacle owing to his “intimidating political presence and credibility.”

In a statement on Wednesday, the former Bayelsa governor was described as a “thoroughbred democrat” who has maintained “unwavering support” for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Bokoru recalled how Sylva rallied the entire APC structure in Bayelsa to adopt the President at the party’s expanded stakeholders’ meeting.

He, however, admitted that unknown operatives — believed to be from Defence Headquarters — recently raided Sylva’s Abuja residence, causing extensive damage without explanation. “No reason was given for the operation,” he said.

The aide explained that Sylva and his wife were out of the country at the time — the former minister undergoing medical checks in the United Kingdom and scheduled to depart for a professional conference in Malaysia.

Bokoru stressed that Sylva had “no contact whatsoever — in planning or logistics — with any coup plot,” noting that the military authorities had also publicly dismissed the rumour.

He added that the coup narrative was a “manufactured distraction” by politicians already engrossed with the 2027 race, who see Sylva as “their last real obstacle.”