*Group calls on former governor to clear self of EFCC’s financial allegation
By Olawale Lamina
The Democracy and Good Governance Watch Initiative, DGGWI, has taken note of the resignation of former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and former Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva, from the All Progressives Congress, APC, in which he accused the ruling party of abandoning the ideals upon which it was founded.
In a statement signed by the trio of Comrade Michael Popoola Ajayi, Nelson Ekujumi and Gbenga Soloki, the group stated that it recognises the constitutional right of every Nigerian to freely associate with, join or leave any political party, but expressed concern that Sylva’s resignation should not be used to divert attention from serious questions that require answers from him before the Nigerian people and the appropriate authorities.
“Sylva, in his resignation letter dated August 31, 2026, described himself as a founding member of the APC who helped build the party and expressed disappointment at what he described as the abandonment of its founding ideals.
Our response is simple: if Chief Sylva believes so strongly in accountability, morality and the ideals upon which the APC was founded, he should demonstrate those principles by submitting himself to due process and answering the allegations against him,” the group stated.
DGGWI also maintained that it is particularly concerned about the former minister’s unknown public whereabout and the allegations linking him to an alleged plot to overthrow the democratically elected government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
It noted that, “We stress that an allegation is not a conviction, and Chief Sylva is entitled to the presumption of innocence and a fair hearing. However, the gravity of an allegation of attempting to undermine Nigeria’s constitutional order cannot be wished away by a political resignation.
“Reports from the ongoing investigations have linked Sylva to the alleged failed coup plot, while the Federal Government has brought charges against other persons in connection with the alleged conspiracy. Sylva has not been publicly present to answer the allegations, and reports indicate that authorities have been seeking information concerning his whereabouts.”
….Group urges Sylva to return, defend allegation against him
Meanwhile, DGGWI has equally called on on Chief Timipre Sylva to return to the country from wherever he is hiding and make himself available to the appropriate authorities and clear his name through the due process of law.
“Nigeria’s democracy was not achieved cheaply. It was secured through the sacrifices, courage, sweat, imprisonment, persecution and, in some cases, the lives of Nigerians who resisted military dictatorship and fought for the restoration of constitutional democracy.
“No individual, irrespective of political status, wealth, former office or contribution to any political party, should contemplate or support any action capable of overturning the constitutional order for which generations of Nigerians struggled.
“Chief Sylva owes himself the duty of establishing his innocence of the allegations levelled against him by submitting himself to the authority. Remaining unavailable only deepens public suspicion about his perceived culpability,” the group urged…..
Similarly, DGGWI stated it is worried about the financial allegations for which the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) declared Chief Sylva wanted in November 2025.
The anti-graft agency EFCC announced it was looking for Sylva over an alleged case of conspiracy and dishonest conversion involving US$14,859,257, reportedly part of funds injected by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) into Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited for a refinery project. A warrant for his arrest was reportedly obtained from the Federal High Court in Lagos.
“These are serious allegations involving public resources and they deserve to be properly investigated and adjudicated.
“Chief Sylva should therefore not only tell Nigerians about the alleged abandonment of political ideals; he should also account for his own stewardship while serving as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and in other public offices he previously occupied.
“If he believes that he discharged his responsibilities honourably and transparently, this is the appropriate time to place the facts before the relevant authorities and the Nigerian people.
In similar breath, the group emphasized that political differences must not override national accountability, as it decried any attempt by politicians to reduce matters of national security, public finance and constitutional governance to mere partisan disagreements.
While noting that,the APC may have internal challenges, just as citizens are entitled to disagree with the policies or leadership of the party, it agrees that . Chief Sylva is equally entitled to leave the party if he believes it has departed from its founding principles.
But it cautioned again that, “leaving the APC does not erase one’s responsibilities as a citizen, former public officer or person facing allegations before law-enforcement authorities,” and adding that, “Indeed, if the ideals of decency, morality and accountability which Chief Sylva invoked in his resignation letter are genuinely important to him, he should be the first to submit himself to scrutiny.”
The group, as a matter of responsibility called on Chief Timipre Sylva to return to Nigeria and make himself available to the appropriate authorities to answer all outstanding allegations against him.
It maintained that the EFCC and other relevant security agencies to conduct their investigations professionally, transparently and without political interference, while respecting his constitutional rights.
DGGWI used the opportunity to appeal to Nigerians to remain vigilant and reject an attempt, from whatever quarter, to undermine the constitutional democratic order.
According to the group, democracy is bigger than any political party, individual or administration, while observing that the preservation of Nigeria’s constitutional order must remain a collective responsibility.
It concluded by stressing that, “Chief Timipre Sylva has raised questions about the direction of the APC. He should now allow Nigerians and the courts to ask questions about his own conduct in public office and the serious allegations presently associated with his name.
“Democracy demands accountability. Public office demands responsibility. And no political resignation can substitute for either.”
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