Niger Delta activist Edmund Ebiware, popularly known as Don Capello, has declared that he will not support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027 because of his loyalty to former Bayelsa State Governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva.
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Capello made his position clear in a declaration that has generated political reactions in Bayelsa State and across the Niger Delta, saying: “I will not support Tinubu because of Sylva.”
His statement comes amid growing political tensions following Sylva’s reported resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his criticism of the party’s leadership and the Tinubu administration.
Key Highlights
- Niger Delta activist Don Capello says he will not support President Tinubu because of his loyalty to Timipre Sylva.
- Capello recalls spending 14 years in incarceration, which he describes as an unjust experience.
- Former Bayelsa Governor Timipre Sylva reportedly resigned from the APC in August 2026.
- Sylva criticised the APC leadership and expressed dissatisfaction with the Tinubu administration.
- Capello accuses political associates of abandoning Sylva when his political fortunes changed.
- Sylva has denied allegations linking him to an alleged plot to overthrow President Tinubu.
Don Capello Speaks on Loyalty to Timipre Sylva
Capello’s declaration has drawn attention because of his history as a Niger Delta activist and his account of the personal sacrifices he has made over the years.
The activist spent 14 years in incarceration, a period he has described as an unjust loss of his youthful years. Since his release, he has repeatedly called for rehabilitation and reintegration, maintaining his innocence and expressing forgiveness towards those he believes contributed to his ordeal.
He has also spoken out on issues affecting disadvantaged Nigerians, including the death sentence reportedly handed to a young man for stealing a mobile phone valued at ₦87,000.
Capello had criticised the punishment as excessive and unfair to poor and vulnerable Nigerians.
His latest political declaration appears to reflect his belief that loyalty and political relationships should endure even when circumstances become difficult.
Why Don Capello Is Standing With Timipre Sylva
To understand Capello’s position, it is important to consider Sylva’s political history and influence in Bayelsa State and the wider Ijaw nation.
Sylva, a former governor of Bayelsa State and former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, was a prominent member of the APC and played a role in the party’s political activities in the Niger Delta.
He also served in the administration of President Tinubu and publicly supported the President’s political leadership.
However, the relationship appears to have deteriorated following Sylva’s reported resignation from the APC.
In a resignation letter dated August 31, 2026, Sylva announced his immediate departure from the party, expressing dissatisfaction with its leadership and direction.
He accused the party’s leaders of embracing the belief that “all is fair in politics” and described the APC as a “floundering ship” carrying an “irredeemable load of iniquities.”
Sylva also criticised the Tinubu administration, arguing that it had disappointed the majority of Nigerians.
He expressed confidence that Nigerians would vote for political change in the 2027 general elections.
For Capello and other supporters of the former governor, Sylva’s decision to leave the APC represents a disagreement over political principles and the direction of the party.
Capello Condemns Political Abandonment of Sylva
A major part of Capello’s declaration is his criticism of individuals he considers fair-weather political associates.
According to the position reflected in his statement, some politicians and supporters who previously praised Sylva when he occupied influential political positions have allegedly distanced themselves from him following his departure from the APC and the controversies surrounding him.
The activist’s position also comes amid public discussions about Sylva’s legal status and allegations linking him to an alleged plot to overthrow President Tinubu.
Capello’s declaration suggests that he believes political loyalty should not depend entirely on whether an individual remains in power or enjoys the support of the ruling establishment.
For him, standing by Sylva during a difficult period is a matter of personal conviction and political loyalty.
He maintains that Sylva has represented the interests of Bayelsa State, the Ijaw people and the wider Niger Delta region, and believes those who benefited from his political leadership should not abandon him when he faces difficulties.
‘I Will Not Support Tinubu Because of Sylva’
Capello’s statement, “I will not support Tinubu because of Sylva,” has introduced another dimension to the political conversation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
His position indicates that his support for Sylva takes precedence over his willingness to support President Tinubu’s political ambition.
The declaration also raises questions about the extent to which Sylva’s political disagreements with the APC and the Tinubu administration could influence political alignments in Bayelsa State.
Although Capello’s position does not necessarily represent the views of the entire Niger Delta or the Ijaw nation, it reflects the continued political relevance of Sylva and the loyalty he commands among some supporters.
With political activities gradually gathering momentum ahead of the 2027 elections, further declarations from political figures and grassroots supporters could shape discussions around the APC’s standing in Bayelsa and other parts of the Niger Delta.
Political Implications for Tinubu and APC in Bayelsa
Capello’s declaration comes at a time when political parties and their supporters are beginning to position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Sylva’s departure from the APC could create further political divisions within the party, particularly among members and supporters who identify with the former governor.
His influence in Bayelsa politics means that developments surrounding his relationship with the APC and the Tinubu administration are likely to attract attention across the state.
However, it remains to be seen whether Capello’s declaration will inspire similar positions among other political actors and supporters of Sylva.
For now, the activist has made his position clear, placing his loyalty to the former Bayelsa governor above support for Tinubu’s re-election ambition.
Meanwhile, Sylva has denied involvement in any alleged plot to overthrow President Tinubu, and the allegations remain unproven.
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