Former Bayelsa State Governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, has experienced a major shift in his political career following his resignation from the All Progressives Congress and renewed demands by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for him to appear for questioning over an alleged $14.86 million fraud case.
Sylva resigned from the APC on August 31, 2026, after more than a decade of involvement with the party.
From PDP Governor to APC Member
Sylva began his political career in the Peoples Democratic Party and became Governor of Bayelsa State in 2007. He remained in office until 2012.
His attempt to secure the PDP's ticket for a second term was unsuccessful, prompting him to later join the APC.
In 2015, Sylva contested the Bayelsa governorship election as the APC candidate but lost to the incumbent governor at the time, Seriake Dickson of the PDP.
Despite the defeat, Sylva became an influential figure within the APC and later described himself as one of the party's founding members.
Emergence as a Major APC Figure
Over the years, Sylva's influence within the Bayelsa APC grew significantly. Party leaders acknowledged his financial contributions and support for the party's activities and election campaigns.
In 2023, he secured the APC's governorship ticket after winning the party's direct primary with 52,061 votes.
He defeated Joshua Macaiver, who received 2,078 votes, while former governor David Lyon came third with 1,584 votes.
However, some aspirants rejected the outcome and alleged irregularities in the conduct of the primary. The party subsequently established a reconciliation committee to address the disagreements.
Presidential Ambition
Before his second attempt at the Bayelsa governorship, Sylva briefly pursued the APC presidential ticket.
In May 2022, while serving as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources under former President Muhammadu Buhari, he obtained the APC's presidential nomination and expression-of-interest forms.
He later withdrew from the presidential race and continued serving as a minister until March 2023, when he resigned to contest the Bayelsa governorship.
Second Governorship Bid
After emerging as the APC candidate in 2023, Sylva campaigned on promises to tackle flooding and unemployment, attract investment, improve electricity supply, establish industries and strengthen security in Bayelsa State.
He also criticised the administration of Governor Douye Diri, accusing it of failing to adequately develop the state.
However, Sylva lost the November 11, 2023, governorship election to Diri of the PDP.
EFCC Investigation
Sylva's political career later became linked to an investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
On November 10, 2025, the EFCC declared him wanted over allegations involving conspiracy and dishonest conversion of $14,859,257.
According to the commission, the money was allegedly part of funds provided by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board to Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited for a refinery project.
The declaration followed a warrant issued by the Federal High Court in Lagos on November 6, 2025.
Sylva Resigns From APC
Almost a year after the EFCC declared him wanted, Sylva announced his resignation from the APC on August 31, 2026.
In his resignation letter, he said he had consulted his family, associates and colleagues before deciding to leave the party.
He criticised the APC-led administration, alleging that the party had abandoned the principles on which it was founded.
Sylva also expressed confidence that Nigerians would seek political change in the next election.
Notably, he copied the EFCC in his resignation letter and acknowledged that leaving the APC could intensify the pressure against him.
EFCC Renews Call for Questioning
Following Sylva's resignation, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale reiterated that the former governor should make himself available for questioning.
The commission maintained that Sylva had already been declared wanted and should report to the agency to respond to the allegations against him.
Sylva's journey from PDP governor to senior APC figure, federal minister and two-time APC governorship candidate reflects the changing political landscape in Bayelsa State.
His resignation from the APC now represents another major development in his political career, coming as the EFCC continues to seek his appearance over the alleged $14.86 million fraud case.
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