Discontent as Tinubu approves special promotion of ADC to brigadier-general
President Bola Tinubu has approved the special promotion of his aide-de-camp, Nurudeen Yusuf, from colonel to brigadier-general.
The approval was communicated in a letter from the office of the national security adviser to the chief of army staff. The letter, dated December 12, 2025, was signed by Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser.
In the memo, Ribadu said Yusuf will retain his position as the president’s ADC despite the promotion.
“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,” the letter reads.
According to TheCable, the decision has sparked discontent within the Nigerian Army, with some officers reportedly unhappy over what they describe as favouritism. The special promotion is also said to have breached established military promotion procedures.
Under army rules, an officer must meet specific requirements before being promoted from colonel to brigadier-general. These include completing a war college or senior staff course, a strategic course at the National Defence College or its equivalent, and spending four to five years in the rank of colonel.
Yusuf was promoted to colonel in December 2024 and decorated by Tinubu in January 2025 at the presidential villa in Abuja. He was appointed ADC in April 2023 while he was a lieutenant colonel.
Yusuf was crowned monarch of Ilemona land in Kwara state in July 2024 but is expected to assume the role fully after retiring from the military. The presidency has yet to comment on the controversy.
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