Dissatisfaction Grows In Nigerian Army Over Special Promotion Of Tinubu’s ADC To Brigadier General

The promotion and retention of Yusuf as ADC to the President, effective December 12, 2025, was conveyed to the Chief of Army Staff in a letter from the Office of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

There is growing dissatisfaction within the Nigerian Army over the special promotion of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Aide-de-Camp, Colonel Nurudeen Alowonle Yusuf, to the rank of Brigadier General.

A senior military source told SaharaReporters on Sunday that the decision has caused concern among officers, particularly those who have completed professional military courses and have served the required time in rank.

The promotion and retention of Yusuf as ADC to the President, effective December 12, 2025, was conveyed to the Chief of Army Staff in a letter from the Office of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

The letter stated, “I wish to convey Mr President's approval of Special Presidential Promotion of Colonel Nurudeen Alowonle Yusuf to the rank of Brigadier General and retention as ADC C-in-C with effect from 12 December 2025 for your necessary action as enclosed. Please accept the assurances of my esteemed regards.”

Meanwhile, sources within the Nigerian Army have voiced strong dissatisfaction over the promotion of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Aide-de-Camp, Colonel Nurudeen Alowonle Yusuf, to the rank of Brigadier General.

“Officers are really grumbling in the Army over the promotion of Tinubu’s ADC,” one source said, noting concerns about seniority and qualifications.

“So, NA Yusuf, a 52 Regular Course officer who has not attended either the War College or Defence College, is now senior to 50 Regular Course officers who have completed both institutions,” the source added.

Questions were also raised about the officer’s assignment.

“A General doing ADC work is totally unusual,” the source said, adding that the promotion has caused significant unrest. “This is one very unpopular decision that needs to be reversed immediately in the interest of the service because many officers are deeply upset.”

Another source cited historical precedent, stating, “No Nigerian president’s ADC has received such an unprofessional privilege from 1960 to date. This current ADC is unethically holding the kingship of a town while still in uniform. You are eating your cake and still having it. The Commander-in-Chief is being manipulated into making blunders.”

Comparisons were also drawn with other security appointments.

“Just like Usman Shugaba, the Chief Personal Security Officer to the President, who unjustifiably received three accelerated promotions to Commissioner of Police while his peers remain Chief Superintendents, NA Yusuf is benefiting from being close to the president without justification. Being near the president brings advantages, but this does not warrant such unprofessional and unethical action,” the source said.

The source further highlighted issues of lobbying and career progression. “NA Yusuf is notorious for lobbying. Meanwhile, there are officers who have completed the Fellowship of Army War College (operational level) and Defence College (strategic level) courses who are still waiting in line,” the source explained.

Appeals are reportedly being made to the Chief of Army Staff to advise the president against the promotion.

Reflecting on past practices, the source recalled, “ML Abubakar PMB’s first ADC had to disengage from his ADC appointment to attend the National Defence College in order to be eligible for promotion to Brigadier General. He remained a Colonel for five years as required by the Armed Forces Terms and Conditions of Service before promotion.”

“Sadly, that is no longer the case. An officer who barely spent a year at the Colonel rank is being promoted to Brigadier General simply because he was privileged to serve as ADC,” the source said.

“Ribadu has brought Police confusion into the Army,” the source added.