Tinubu Halts ADC Promotion Following Intervention By Former Army Chiefs

According to Ireporter Online, plans to promote Nurudeen Yusuf, the aide-de-camp (ADC) to President Bola Tinubu, to the rank of brigadier-general were reportedly shelved following interventions by two former Chiefs of Army Staff. The decision came shortly before a planned ceremony on Monday evening.

Yusuf, who was promoted to colonel in January 2025, was slated for an extraordinary promotion to brigadier-general, bypassing the usual military requirements. Normally, officers must serve at least four years as a colonel and complete a course at the National Defence College before being considered for such a promotion.

A leaked letter dated December 12, 2025, from the Office of the National Security Adviser and signed by Nuhu Ribadu, indicated that Yusuf would continue to serve as the President’s ADC despite the proposed elevation. Sources report that no brigadier-general has previously served as ADC to a sitting Nigerian President, a situation that reportedly caused concern within the military hierarchy.

Prior to the intended ceremony, Defence Minister Chris Musa and Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu reportedly cut short a visit to Lagos and returned to Abuja. However, two highly respected former army chiefs reportedly persuaded President Tinubu to halt the promotion, citing potential risks to military discipline. A presidential source stated that the promotion “would not happen anytime soon.”

Military analysts have reportedly warned that the proposed elevation could set a troubling precedent in the armed forces. Yusuf has previously been accused of influencing promotions and the retention of officers due to his close ties with the President. A military source recalled that Yusuf once facilitated the extension of service for officers who had failed promotion criteria, though the President later revised the memo while allowing them to remain in service.

Yusuf was appointed as Tinubu’s ADC in April 2023, while still a lieutenant colonel, about a month before Tinubu assumed office. In July 2024, he was crowned monarch of Ilemona land in Kwara State, a traditional role he is expected to formally assume upon retiring from the military.