The Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, has reportedly written to the Police Service Commission (PSC), seeking special promotion for eight police officers attached to political office holders.
According to reports, the requests were made through two separate letters reportedly obtained by TheCable. The move has triggered debate over the legality and fairness of the promotions, as the PSC is constitutionally responsible for police appointments and promotions.
One of the letters reportedly requested promotion for officers attached to the President. The correspondence, dated February 20, 2026, contained the names of three officers, while another letter listed five others.
Among the requests was the promotion of an Assistant Commissioner of Police to Deputy Commissioner of Police, as well as the elevation of two Chief Superintendents of Police to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police.
In the letter, Gbajabiamila reportedly praised the officers for their leadership qualities, gallantry, teamwork and dedication to duty, urging the commission to consider the request promptly.
The development has, however, raised questions because Section 6 of the Police Service Commission Act grants the commission exclusive authority over appointments and promotions in the Nigeria Police Force, except for the office of the Inspector-General of Police.
The law also states that the commission should not be subjected to the control or supervision of any person or authority while carrying out its duties.
Although the Act allows the President to issue policy directives to the commission, such directives are expected to relate only to general policy matters.
The report further noted that concerns over special promotions within the security services have surfaced previously under the Tinubu administration.
In January 2025, presidential aide-de-camp Nurudeen Yusuf was reportedly promoted from lieutenant colonel to colonel, before later receiving another elevation to brigadier-general through what sources described as a “special presidential promotion.”
Sources quoted in the report alleged that the growing influence of political connections in promotions could weaken discipline within the security agencies.
One presidential source claimed that some individuals close to the President were using their access to influence promotion decisions within the police and military hierarchy.
Another police source warned that the development could negatively affect morale among officers fighting insurgency and insecurity across the country, arguing that frontline officers often receive less recognition despite the risks they face.
The officer also alleged that promotions within the security services were increasingly being driven by influence and connections rather than merit and service record.
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