Sylva Leaves, APC Checks Its Pulse and Declares: “We Are Still Breathing!”

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State has moved quickly to reassure supporters that the party has not collapsed, fainted or even requested emergency political oxygen following the resignation of former Governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva. Former APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Yekini Nabena, insists that despite the dramatic exit of one of the party’s most prominent figures, the Bayelsa APC remains firmly standing and already has its eyes on the 2027 elections.

One Big Political Exit, But the House Says the Furniture Is Still Intact

Sylva announced his resignation from the APC on August 31, 2026, arguing that the party had departed from the ideals upon which it was founded. As a founding member of the party, his departure naturally created the kind of political noise that makes analysts immediately reach for calculators, microphones and dramatic television graphics.

But Nabena has essentially told anyone expecting Bayelsa APC headquarters to develop cracks overnight to calm down. According to him, about 90 per cent of party members and stakeholders in the state have resolved to remain, insisting that the party remains strong, united and capable of winning elections at all levels. In political language, the message appears to be: one heavyweight may have left the boxing ring, but the referee has not ended the match.

APC Battle for 2027 Begins Before the Political Dust Settles

Nabena said the remaining APC structure in Bayelsa is determined to work for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu and the success of other party candidates in the 2027 general elections. He argued that those staying behind cannot simply abandon a political structure they helped to build because one prominent leader has chosen another path.

The satire, of course, writes itself: Nigerian politics has once again demonstrated that political parties can resemble large family compounds—someone announces, “I am leaving this house forever!” while relatives immediately gather in the sitting room to announce, “The house remains united, and dinner will proceed as scheduled.” Yet beneath the humour lies a serious political test. Sylva’s resignation is significant because of his long-standing influence in Bayelsa politics, and the coming months will reveal whether the APC’s confidence is based on genuine grassroots strength or the traditional Nigerian political belief that every departing politician leaves behind at least three people claiming they were never really worried.

In the end, Nabena’s declaration has turned Sylva’s resignation into more than an ordinary party exit; it has become an early test of political structure, loyalty and influence ahead of 2027. OGM News NG will continue to watch whether the Bayelsa APC remains as solid as its leaders claim—or whether Nigerian politics has another surprise waiting quietly behind the next press statement.