He handed over to the Minister of State, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, following his removal from office after a minor cabinet reshuffle approved by President Bola Tinubu. The President subsequently nominated Mr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma (PhD) as the new minister-designate for the ministry.

Speaking in Abuja, Dangiwa expressed confidence that ongoing reforms in the housing sector would continue despite his departure.

“As I step aside, I remain optimistic about the future of Nigeria’s housing and urban development sector. I urge all stakeholders to sustain the spirit of collaboration, innovation, and service to the nation,” he stated.

The outgoing minister described his tenure as both an honour and a duty, appreciating the President for the opportunity to serve. He also thanked stakeholders across the housing sector, noting that their cooperation played a key role in driving reforms during his time in office.

In his remarks, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata praised Dangiwa’s professionalism and leadership, describing his tenure as impactful. He noted that the reforms introduced under Dangiwa contributed to advancing affordable housing initiatives and strengthening institutional structures within the sector.

Meanwhile, the Senate on Thursday confirmed the nomination of Darma as a minister.

Justice D.H. Khobo delivered the ruling on April 21, 2026, in a case brought by the Federal Republic of Nigeria through the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The court ruled that the circumstances surrounding the case did not justify granting bail at this stage.

In his application, El-Rufai had asked to be released either on self-recognition or on lenient terms to be set by the court. He argued that the offences were not capital in nature and therefore bailable, while also pointing to his strong community ties, known residence, and assets as proof he was not a flight risk.

He further told the court that he voluntarily returned from Egypt to respond to authorities’ invitation and described the charges as “fundamentally defective” and unclear. He also raised health concerns, claiming he required specialised medical care.

However, the anti-graft agency opposed the application, describing the allegations as having severe economic implications. It argued that the former governor could tamper with witnesses or disrupt ongoing investigations involving other suspects still at large.

The commission also accused him of obstructing law enforcement officials at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in February 2026 and dismissed his health claims, stating that no medical evidence was presented to support them.

In his ruling, Justice Khobo stressed the weight of the charges and the concerns raised by the prosecution, noting that keeping the defendant in custody would ensure his availability for a speedy trial. He also rejected the medical grounds for bail, stating that no sufficient evidence was provided.

Consequently, the court refused the bail application and ordered that El-Rufai remain in ICPC custody pending trial. The judge further directed that the case be handled on an accelerated basis, fixing June 1, 2, 3, and 4, 2026, for continuous hearing.

The former governor will remain in custody as the court prepares to begin full trial proceedings.

It was gathered that the President held a meeting with Senate leadership on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, described by lawmakers as an “emergency and strategic” session.

The delegation, led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, arrived shortly after the Senate adjourned plenary following a closed-door executive meeting.

While presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga confirmed that the meeting took place, he did not provide details. However, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele disclosed that “far-reaching decisions” were reached, noting that discussions focused on pressing national issues.

According to sources familiar with the meeting, the lawmakers used the opportunity to seek assurances that incumbent senators would secure party tickets without facing internal primaries.

A source within the National Assembly revealed that the senators argued for continuity and stability in pushing for automatic tickets, but the President remained firm in his position.

Tinubu was said to have rejected the proposal, reiterating that governors, as party leaders in their respective states, must retain significant influence over who emerges as candidates.