Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Keyamo stated that the government’s policy of encouraging market entry for new carriers has directly resulted in lower airfares and improved service quality.

Highlighting the impact, Keyamo pointed to the dramatic drop in ticket prices since the Christmas holiday period, when costs soared to as high as N400,000 – N500,000. He noted that fares for the same routes have now fallen to approximately N100,000, a reduction he attributes squarely to market liberalization. “We have opened the doors,” he said, emphasizing that healthy competition is effectively driving down costs.

The minister revealed that Nigeria’s commercial aviation sector is witnessing an “unprecedented increase” in new airlines. He credited this surge to the business-friendly environment fostered by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which has prioritized the sustenance and growth of indigenous airlines.

Keyamo contrasted the current climate with previous years, noting that new operators are entering the market with “stronger and more sustainable business models,” rather than struggling to survive. He specifically mentioned Enugu Air and the upcoming launch of Caliphate Airlines in Sokoto as examples of this positive trend.

Addressing Key Challenges: Jet Fuel and Safety Incidents

While championing the reforms, Keyamo also addressed critical issues facing the industry:

• High Cost of Aviation Fuel (Jet A1): The minister clarified that his ministry does not regulate fuel pricing, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources. However, Keyamo confirmed he has actively engaged with fuel marketers to address the issue. He attributed recent price spikes to international market instability, such as tensions involving Iran, but noted that prices have begun to stabilize in recent weeks.

• Recent Aircraft Incidents: Keyamo addressed two recent safety events.

  • Enugu Air Runway Excursion (Benin Airport): He described this as an “isolated incident,” linking it to a slippery runway, but urged the public to await the official investigation report before jumping to conclusions.

  • Asaba Private Jet Incident: Keyamo confirmed this amounted to a “security breach.” He disclosed that the pilot and crew are in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) for questioning, and an investigation is ongoing.

Future Plans: Airport Concessioning

Looking ahead, the minister disclosed that the Federal Government is considering the concession of more airports across Nigeria. The plan would primarily target non-viable airports, aiming to reduce the government’s financial burden and attract private investment to improve infrastructure and operational efficiency.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Keyamo stated that the ultimate goal of these reforms is to build a “stronger, safer and more competitive aviation industry” that benefits all Nigerians and contributes to national economic growth.

The Path to Submission and Claims of Legitimacy

At a press conference held late Thursday, the faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, detailed the submission process. He stated that the committee manually delivered Jonathan’s name, along with a full slate of governorship, National Assembly, and state House of Assembly candidates. The faction asserts this action complies with the Electoral Act of 2026.

Ememobong was clear that INEC received the physical documents despite allegedly denying the faction the necessary electronic submission codes. The faction maintains its position as the “authentic” leadership of the PDP. They argue that existing Supreme Court judgments have effectively rendered the current national party leadership legally unrecognized, necessitating the formation of an interim structure by the Board of Trustees and a requisitioned National Executive Committee meeting.

Legal Battles and Accusations of Bias

The faction has taken its fight to the Federal High Court in Abuja after INEC allegedly refused to recognize the interim leadership. Furthermore, Ememobong strongly criticized a recent judgment delivered by Justice Salim Oluwasupo Ibrahim, claiming the ruling contradicts established precedents set by the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal—precedents that form the basis of their legal argument.

“The judgment reads more like an appeal on the judgments of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal,” Ememobong said, adding that the faction has already filed an appeal. They also alleged irregularities in the release of the Certified True Copy of the judgment, suggesting the document does not accurately reflect the actual ruling.

The spokesperson did not mince words in accusing INEC of failing to maintain neutrality in the PDP crisis. He alleged the commission ignored material facts and court orders favourable to their faction. “The Commission’s filings, its arguments before the courts, and its refusal to comply with court orders favourable to our Party have collectively created an impression of institutional bias that should concern every Nigerian,” Ememobong stated.

A Broader Struggle for Democracy

The faction warned that if INEC eventually publishes names different from those they submitted, it would confirm public fears about the commission’s lack of impartiality and fuel suspicions that it is aiding those attempting to weaken the opposition. Despite these challenges, Ememobong urged members not to lose hope, affirming the faction’s commitment to pursuing all legal and constitutional remedies.

He framed the dispute as a critical fight to prevent the erosion of opposition politics in Nigeria and the potential rise of a one-party state. Reaffirming confidence in the judicial process, Ememobong concluded by warning against “electoral authoritarianism” and stressing that democratic institutions must not be used to suppress opposition parties. The faction remains steadfast in its belief that the courts will ultimately resolve the dispute in their favour.

In an interview on Yanga FM, Rudeboy noted that he harbors zero friction with today’s musical leaders and believes fans need to recognize that staying at the peak indefinitely is impossible. As reported by Naija News, he stressed that rather than fueling unnecessary rivalries, people should honor the accomplishments of younger stars, keeping in mind that P-Square also had their golden age of dominance.

Describing the music industry’s natural lifecycle, Rudeboy pointed out that a new crop of artists will inevitably follow Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy to take the reins. He concluded that while perpetual dominance is out of reach, every successful act can cement a lasting legacy through their impact on the culture.

Reflecting on the dynamic, Rudeboy stated:

“I have a good relationship with Wizkid, Davido and Burna. It’s their turn to be top, our turn don pass. Nobody is going to be there forever. People should respect that. After that, there’s still going to be another people. You can’t be there forever, but you can still put your legacy. “I don’t see why people argue about Afrobeats. When people come after us, they should know that we also made our mark.”