Tinubu Orders Special Promotion for ADC Nurudeen Yusuf to Brigadier-General

• President Bola Tinubu has approved a special promotion for his aide-de-camp, Nurudeen Yusuf, elevating him from colonel to brigadier-general just months after his previous promotion, sparking discussions over military protocol and favoritism.

President Bola Tinubu has directed the Nigerian Army to effect a special promotion for his aide-de-camp, Nurudeen Alowonle Yusuf, advancing him from his current rank as colonel to brigadier-general.

According to a confidential document addressed to the Chief of Army Staff and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, the promotion is effective from December 12, 2025. The letter, seen by Peoples Gazette, states:

“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.”

The rapid elevation has triggered speculation of potential discontent within military ranks, as Mr Yusuf was only promoted to colonel in January 2025, making this his second promotion within 12 months. Several officers, including some of his coursemates, reportedly expressed frustration over what they describe as unprecedented acceleration.

“This beggars belief and defies all logic,” an aggrieved senior officer told PREMIUM TIMES. “Someone who was just promoted to colonel this year?”

Neither the Presidency nor the Nigerian Army has publicly explained the accelerated promotion. However, a source within the Presidency, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the move was intended to align Mr Yusuf’s rank with those of other senior security officials attached to the Presidential Villa.

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The source highlighted similar elevations in other security agencies: the Nigeria Police Force promoted the President’s Chief Personal Security Officer, Usman Shugaba, from deputy commissioner to commissioner of police in August, while the State Security Services (SSS) recently elevated the President’s Chief Security Officer, Adegboyega Fasasi, to the rank of director. These police and SSS ranks are considered equivalent to that of a brigadier-general in the Army.

The promotion has reignited debates about favoritism, protocol, and meritocracy within the Nigerian military, with critics questioning the fairness of such accelerated advancements.