From ONYECHUKWU MELUWA, Yenagoa
Former Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva, has denied any involvement in an alleged plot to topple President Bola Tinubu’s government, describing the speculation as the handiwork of “desperate and narcissistic politicians” nursing early ambitions for 2027.
In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs, Chief Julius Bokoru, the former Bayelsa State governor dismissed the coup allegation as baseless and politically motivated, saying those behind it are threatened by his “intimidating political presence and credibility.”
Bokoru said the former governor has remained a consistent democrat and loyal member of the All Progressives Congress, APC, noting that he has always demonstrated unflinching support for President Tinubu and his administration.
He recalled that only recently, Sylva mobilised the entire structure of the APC in Bayelsa State to unanimously endorse President Tinubu at the party’s expanded stakeholders meeting, underscoring his commitment to the party and the democratic process.
Bokoru confirmed that Sylva’s Abuja residence was recently raided by persons believed to be operatives of the Defence Headquarters, adding that the incident left the property badly damaged.
According to him, the security operatives did not provide any reason or official explanation for their action during or after the raid.
He disclosed that Sylva and his wife were outside the country at the time of the operation, noting that the former minister was in the United Kingdom for a routine medical check-up and is due to proceed to Malaysia for a professional conference.
“In the past 48 hours, I have been inundated with calls from journalists, political associates and concerned Nigerians regarding a circulating report alleging that Sylva has fled the country in connection with certain purported matters.
“For the avoidance of doubt, it is true that his residence was recently subjected to a raid by individuals believed to be operatives of the Defence Headquarters. Considerable damage was inflicted on the property, but no official explanation has been offered,” Bokoru stated.
He reiterated that the former minister had no link to any plot against government, stressing that the Defence Headquarters had publicly dismissed the circulating coup rumours.
“While the Defence Headquarters has debunked rumours of a coup, it is important to state emphatically that Chief Sylva has no involvement whatsoever either in planning or logistics with such plot,” Bokoru said.
He described the former governor as a “thoroughbred democrat” whose political journey has been built on faith in democratic institutions and due process.
“From the 1990s, when he was first elected into the old Rivers State House of Assembly, to his tenure as governor of Bayelsa State, every milestone Chief Sylva achieved came through transparent, democratic engagement and the will of the people,” he added.
Bokoru argued that those circulating the rumour are “consumed by early ambitions for 2027” and view Sylva as a major obstacle to their political aspirations.
“These rumours are nothing more than the handiwork of desperate and narcissistic politicians already consumed by 2027 ambitions, who see him as their last real obstacle, a man whose political presence and credibility continue to expose their dark, self-serving motives,” he said.
