President Bola Tinubu has approved a special presidential promotion for his Aide-de-Camp (ADC), Colonel Nurudeen Alowonle Yusuf, elevating him to the rank of brigadier-general, a decision that has reportedly stirred unease within the Nigerian Army.
The approval was contained in a leaked letter dated December 12, 2025, from the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, to the Chief of Army Staff.
In the letter, Ribadu wrote, “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.”
Despite the promotion, the letter confirmed that Yusuf would remain in his current role as the president’s ADC.
However, the decision has reportedly generated murmurs of discontent among some senior army officers, many of whom view the move as preferential and a breach of standard military procedure.
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According to rules of the Army, the “special presidential promotion” bypasses several requirements prescribed for advancement to the rank of brigadier-general, including completion of the National Defence College or an equivalent strategic course.
Normally, an officer must also serve four to five years as a colonel before being eligible for promotion.
Yusuf, whom Tinubu appointed as ADC in April 2023, was promoted to colonel in December 2024 and officially decorated in January 2025 at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Beyond his military career, Yusuf also holds a traditional title as the monarch of Ilemona land in Oyun Local Government Area of Kwara State, a position he is expected to assume fully after retirement.
As of press time, neither the presidency nor the Nigerian Army has issued an official statement addressing the controversy surrounding the promotion.