Sylva announced his resignation in a letter dated August 31, 2026, addressed to the APC Chairman of Ward 4 in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Copies of the letter were sent to the APC National Chairman, the Chairman of the APC in Bayelsa State and the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The former governor, who described himself as a founding member of the APC, said he decided to leave the party after consultations with his family, associates, colleagues and sympathisers.
Sylva criticised the APC-led administration of President Bola Tinubu, accusing the party’s leadership of abandoning the ideals on which the party was founded.
“As a founding member of the APC, and one who joined other well-meaning Nigerians in building the party with sweat and money, it is deeply saddening to witness how the ideals we espoused have been so thoroughly and unrecognisably thwarted,” he said.
He said he could no longer remain in a party whose leaders, according to him, operated on the belief that “all is fair in politics.”
Sylva further described the Tinubu administration as a disappointment to the majority of Nigerians, saying he saw neither a credible attempt nor any possibility of revamping the government.
“The present Government, formed under the banner of the APC we once loved, has disappointed the vast majority of Nigerians,” he stated.
The former minister said he was therefore left with no choice but to leave what he described as a “floundering ship”, expressing confidence that Nigerians would vote for change in the 2027 general elections.
“I have no doubt that, in the coming election, Nigerians will vote for Nigeria and free the Country from this stranglehold on our beautiful country,” he said.
Sylva also explained that he deliberately copied the EFCC in his resignation letter, acknowledging that his decision could lead to increased scrutiny by the anti-graft agency.
“I am fully aware that this action of mine may invite a redoubled witch-hunt against me and my associates, but that is a risk I am willing to take,” he said.
His resignation comes amid allegations linking him to an alleged plot to overthrow the Tinubu administration. Sylva has consistently denied involvement in the alleged coup plot and rejected claims connecting him to its financing.
The former Bayelsa governor was among individuals named in connection with the wider investigation into the alleged plot, which resulted in the arrest and prosecution of several military and civilian suspects.
In October 2025, soldiers from Defence Headquarters reportedly raided Sylva’s Abuja residence. He confirmed the operation but denied any involvement in a plot to overthrow the government, describing the raid as unjustified.
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