There is mounting discontent 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. The promotion, effective December 12, 2025, was conveyed to the Chief of Army Staff via a letter from the Office of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

A senior military source told SaharaReporters that the decision has sparked concern among officers who have completed professional military courses and served the required time in rank.

“Officers are really grumbling in the Army over the promotion of Tinubu’s ADC,” the source said.
“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.”

Critics argue that assigning a General to ADC duties is highly unusual and sets a concerning precedent. Historical comparisons highlight that no Nigerian president’s ADC has received such a privilege since 1960. Questions have also been raised over Yusuf holding traditional leadership positions while still in uniform.

The promotion has drawn parallels with previous cases, such as Usman Shugaba, the President’s Chief Personal Security Officer, who received multiple accelerated promotions in the police force. Sources say that lobbying and proximity to the President appear to have influenced Yusuf’s rapid advancement, while other officers who have completed the necessary military courses continue to wait for promotion.

“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,” a source added, calling the move “unethical and unprofessional.”

Appeals are reportedly being made to the Chief of Army Staff to advise the President on the potential fallout from the decision.