President Bola Tinubu has reversed the special promotion of his Aide-de-Camp (ADC), Colonel Nurudeen Alowonle Yusuf, to the rank of Brigadier General, following widespread concerns within the Nigerian Army over procedure, morale, and fairness.

A senior military source disclosed that the decision, which initially sparked discontent among officers, was rescinded after consultations at the highest levels of the military and the presidency.

According to the source, the promotion triggered unease among officers who had completed required professional military courses and served the mandatory time in rank, raising fears that established promotion structures were being undermined.

The reversal has reportedly been welcomed across the armed forces, with sources describing a sense of relief among officers. The Presidency confirmed that the Commander-in-Chief acted appropriately in addressing the concerns.

“The decision to promote the Aide-de-Camp to Brigadier General was rescinded yesterday. The Commander-in-Chief was misled, but he did the needful. The armed forces are celebrating Tinubu right now,” a military source said.

Prior to the reversal, preparations had already been completed for the ADC’s decoration ceremony, with family members and invited guests notified of the event.

Sources further revealed that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), who was in Lagos attending a conference, was summoned to Abuja to brief the President on the growing dissatisfaction among officers, particularly regarding morale and the integrity of the rank structure.

Another source alleged that President Tinubu realised he had been misadvised and subsequently disapproved of the promotion.

In the aftermath, the Presidency is said to be reviewing the composition and ranking of personnel within the President’s security detail to ensure alignment with established protocols.

Concerns were raised about senior-ranking officers occupying roles traditionally held by lower-ranking personnel, prompting calls for a restructuring to prevent command and protocol anomalies.

Earlier reports had indicated that the special promotion raised serious questions within the Nigerian Army over qualifications, precedent, and adherence to standard promotion procedures.