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In a resignation letter dated August 31, 2026, the former governor said he had formally exited the APC after extensive consultations with family members, political associates and supporters.
KaNo —
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has called on former Bayelsa State Governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, to present himself for questioning over an alleged $14.86 million fraud case for which he has been declared wanted.
The anti-graft agency made the call on Monday amid escalating political and legal tensions surrounding the former governor, who recently announced his resignation from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and accused the commission of acting with partisan bias.
Spokesman for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Dele Oyewale, dismissed Sylva’s allegations against the commission, insisting that due process was being followed in the investigation.
“He has been declared wanted; he should make himself available to the commission,” Oyewale said in response to questions about Sylva’s claims that the EFCC was being used as a political tool.
Sylva, however, has pushed back strongly against the agency, linking its actions to what he described as a broader pattern of political persecution.
In a resignation letter dated August 31, 2026, the former governor said he had formally exited the APC after extensive consultations with family members, political associates and supporters.
The letter, addressed to the APC chairman of Ward 4 in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, was also copied to key officials, including the EFCC chairman and party leaders at both state and national levels.
Sylva Accuses APC Of Abandoning Principles
“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 wrote.
He further argued that he could no longer remain in a political environment where, in his view, “all is fair in politics,” describing such a mindset as incompatible with basic standards of morality and governance.
The former governor described the APC as a “floundering ship” weighed down by what he termed “an irredeemable load of iniquities,” adding that he believed Nigerians would use the next general election to chart a new political direction for the country.
Explaining why he copied the EFCC in the resignation letter, Sylva alleged that the commission had increasingly acted in a partisan manner, raising concerns that his decision to leave the ruling party might trigger intensified scrutiny or further investigations against him and his associates.
“I am deliberately putting the EFCC in copy of this letter because, of late, it has conducted itself more as an organ of the APC than as an institution of state,” he stated.
“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.”
EFCC Declares Sylva Wanted
The agency has maintained that the case is part of its ongoing mandate to investigate financial crimes and ensure accountability in public office.
Sylva’s legal troubles extend beyond the alleged fraud case. He has also been linked to a separate high-profile investigation involving allegations of conspiracy, money laundering and terrorism-related offences tied to an alleged plot against the current administration.
In a 13-count charge filed by security agencies, Sylva is listed as a defendant and described as “still at large.” However, the allegations remain subject to judicial determination, and he has not been convicted of any offence.
Security sources have indicated that Sylva may have left the country after details of the investigation became public, although this has not been officially confirmed by authorities.
Reports also suggest that he suspended plans to return to Nigeria following a raid on his Abuja residence and the arrest of several associates.
Reports Indicate Sylva’s Involvement In Coup Plan
Investigators have reportedly identified him as a principal financier of the alleged plot, with claims that he contributed about N785 million through a company identified as Purple Waves Limited.
Authorities further allege that more than N5 billion was mobilised for the operation, with funds traced through financial intermediaries before being distributed.
According to investigators, some of the funds paid into the company were linked to proceeds from contracts awarded by the Niger Delta Development Commission, as well as loans obtained by the firm. These claims are yet to be tested in court.
In July 2026, the Department of State Services arraigned five associates of the former governor for allegedly concealing his whereabouts after he was declared wanted in connection with the investigation. The defendants pleaded not guilty and were granted bail.
Earlier in May, the Federal High Court in Abuja granted an interim forfeiture order covering nine properties allegedly linked to Sylva, following an application by the EFCC. The order was part of efforts to preserve assets pending the conclusion of investigations and possible prosecution.
Despite the mounting allegations, Sylva has consistently denied any involvement in wrongdoing, insisting that the accusations against him are politically motivated.
Political observers say the unfolding developments highlight the intersection of law enforcement and politics in Nigeria, particularly as the country approaches another election cycle.
They note that high-profile investigations involving prominent political figures often generate intense debate over issues of accountability, due process and the independence of anti-corruption institutions.
For now, the EFCC maintains that its actions are guided strictly by law, urging Sylva to return and respond to the allegations against him.
As the situation continues to evolve, the case is expected to test both the strength of Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework and public confidence in the impartiality of its institutions.
