President Bola Tinubu has shelved plans to promote his Aide-de-Camp (ADC), Colonel Nurudeen Alowonle Yusuf, to the rank of Brigadier-General, following strong objections from senior retired military officers and concerns within the Nigerian Army about discipline, seniority, and morale.
The proposed "special presidential promotion," approved via a letter from National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu dated December 12, 2025, would have elevated Yusuf just one year after his promotion to colonel in December 2024 (decorated in January 2025).
A quiet decoration ceremony was reportedly planned for Monday evening but was abruptly canceled.
Military sources indicate that two respected former Chiefs of Army Staff intervened directly with the President, highlighting the risks of bypassing standard procedures.
These include a minimum four-year tenure as colonel, completion of senior courses at institutions like the National Defence College, and evaluation through competitive promotion boards based on merit, command experience, and vacancies.
The plan also raised eyebrows because no Brigadier-General has ever served as ADC to a Nigerian President, and Yusuf would have continued in the role post-promotion a departure seen as potentially undermining hierarchy.
Defence Minister Lt.-Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.) and Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Wahid Shaibu reportedly rushed back from Lagos to Abuja ahead of the planned event.
A presidency source confirmed the promotion "would not happen anytime soon."The decision coincided with President Tinubu's closed-door meeting with service chiefs on Monday at the Presidential Villa, his first since Musa's appointment as Defence Minister on December 4.
Discussions reportedly covered internal security, counterterrorism, and regional commitments amid ongoing challenges like kidnappings and banditry.
While special promotions for gallantry or national needs have precedents, critics argue this case tied to proximity to power rather than exceptional service could erode trust in the system.
"Morale depends on fair rules," noted a retired officer. "Favoritism based on access risks long-term cohesion in a force already stretched by multiple threats."
The Presidency has declined official comment on the matter.
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