Concerns have emerged within the Nigerian Army following President Bola Tinubu’s approval of a “special presidential promotion” for his aide-de-camp (ADC), Colonel Nurudeen Yusuf, elevating him to the rank of brigadier-general barely a year after his last promotion.

The approval was conveyed in a letter from the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) to the Chief of Army Staff. The memo, dated December 12, 2025, and signed by NSA Nuhu Ribadu, stated that Yusuf would retain his position as the president’s ADC despite the elevation in rank.

“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,” the letter read.

The development has reportedly generated disquiet among military personnel, with allegations of favouritism and concerns that the promotion deviates from established military procedures.

Under Nigerian Army promotion guidelines, an officer must meet specific criteria before advancing from colonel to brigadier-general. These include completing a war college or senior staff course, undertaking a strategic course at the National Defence College or its equivalent, and serving a minimum of four to five years in the rank of colonel.

President Tinubu had earlier decorated Yusuf with the rank of colonel in January 2025, following his promotion in December 2024. The ceremony was held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Yusuf, who was appointed ADC to Tinubu in April 2023 while holding the rank of lieutenant colonel, assumed the role shortly before Tinubu’s inauguration as president. In July 2024, he was also crowned monarch of Ilemona land in Oyun Local Government Area of Kwara State, a traditional position he is expected to fully assume upon retirement from military service.

As of the time of filing this report, the Presidency has yet to issue an official response to enquiries regarding the controversy surrounding Yusuf’s promotion.