Former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and one-time Bayelsa State Governor, Chief Timipre Sylva, has dismissed reports linking him to an alleged coup plot.
His Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs, Julius Bokoru, described the claims as baseless and politically motivated by desperate individuals seeking to tarnish Sylva’s image ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Bokoru said the rumours were being spread by “narcissistic politicians” who view Sylva as a major obstacle to their ambitions. He accused them of resorting to falsehoods out of fear of Sylva’s “towering political presence and credibility,” which he said continues to expose their selfish intentions.
The media aide confirmed that Sylva’s Abuja residence was recently raided by suspected operatives of the Defence Headquarters. He said significant damage was done during the raid, but emphasised that Sylva and his wife were not at home at the time of the incident.
According to Bokoru, the former governor was in the United Kingdom for a routine medical check-up and is expected to travel to Malaysia for a professional conference. He noted that the timing of his absence had been misinterpreted by those peddling false information.
“In the past 48 hours, I have received numerous calls from journalists and concerned Nigerians about a circulating report claiming that His Excellency, Chief Timipre Sylva, fled the country due to alleged coup involvement,” Bokoru said. “For clarity, Sylva has no link, whether in planning or logistics, with any such plot. He remains a committed democrat whose political journey has always been guided by transparency and respect for due process.”
He further stressed that the Defence Headquarters had already debunked the rumour of any coup attempt in Nigeria. Bokoru added that Sylva’s political record, from his days in the Rivers State House of Assembly to his time as Bayelsa governor, reflected his consistent belief in democratic governance and the rule of law.
