Former Bayelsa State Governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, has left the All Progressives Congress, APC, creating fresh uncertainty over his political direction ahead of the 2027 elections.
Sylva announced his resignation on Monday, citing what he described as the abandonment of the party’s founding principles and disappointment with the Federal Government. He also expressed confidence that Nigerians would alter the country’s political direction at the next general election.
His departure has immediately triggered speculation about a possible move to the National Democratic Congress, NDC, or an alignment with other political forces. The NDC, however, says Sylva has not approached the party about membership, although it remains open to receiving him.
The party’s Bayelsa State Publicity Secretary, Prince Mac-Akeh, said the NDC would welcome Sylva if he chooses to join. He described the former governor’s exit from the APC as significant but stressed that no decision had been communicated to the party by Sylva.
The uncertainty has extended beyond party membership, with political observers weighing the possibility that Sylva could support former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or remain outside any political platform. One analyst who spoke anonymously said it was too early to predict Sylva’s next move, particularly given the different political alignments among his former supporters.
The analyst also questioned whether Sylva would seek to rebuild a political base in Bayelsa or take a less active role in the run-up to 2027. He said Sylva’s future political choices could be influenced by the changing alliances in the state and the wider South-South.
For now, Sylva’s resignation leaves his next political destination undecided, while the APC has not publicly commented on his departure. With 2027 approaching, his decision on whether to join another party, support a candidate or remain independent could have implications for the evolving political landscape in Bayelsa and the wider Niger Delta.
