ABUJA: There is growing unease within the Nigerian Army following the special promotion of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Aide-de-Camp (ADC), Colonel Nurudeen Alowonle Yusuf, to the rank of Brigadier General.
Senior military sources disclosed that the development has sparked widespread discontent among officers, especially those who have fulfilled established promotion requirements, including completion of key professional military courses and the mandatory years in rank.
Yusuf’s promotion and continued retention as ADC to the President took effect from December 12, 2025.
The decision was officially communicated to the Chief of Army Staff in a letter from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), signed on behalf of NSA Nuhu Ribadu, conveying President Tinubu’s approval of the special presidential promotion.
According to sources, the move has raised serious concerns about fairness, seniority, and adherence to long-standing military traditions.
One officer noted that Yusuf, a 52 Regular Course officer who has reportedly not attended either the Army War College or the National Defence College, now outranks several officers of the same course who have completed both institutions.
Questions have also been raised over the appropriateness of the assignment. “It is highly unusual for a Brigadier General to continue performing ADC duties, a source said, adding that the promotion has generated significant resentment within the service.
The source described the decision as unpopular and warned that it could negatively affect morale and discipline.
Another senior officer cited historical precedent, stating that no Nigerian president’s ADC has enjoyed such accelerated advancement since independence in 1960.
The source further alleged ethical concerns, claiming that the officer is simultaneously involved in traditional leadership matters while still in active military service.
Comparisons were also drawn with other security appointments around the presidency, with critics alleging a pattern of accelerated promotions linked to proximity to power rather than merit.
Sources pointed out that many officers who have completed advanced operational and strategic-level courses remain on promotion waiting lists.
Appeals are reportedly being directed to the Chief of Army Staff to advise the President to reconsider the decision. Recalling past practice, a source noted that under previous administrations, ADCs were required to disengage from their duties to attend mandatory courses and serve the stipulated minimum period in rank before promotion.
“An officer who has barely spent a year as a Colonel is now being promoted to Brigadier General largely because of his position as ADC,” a source lamented, warning that such actions could undermine professionalism within the Nigerian Army.
ChatGPT can mak
