President Bola Tinubu’s decision to grant his aide-de-camp, Colonel Nurudeen Yusuf, a special promotion to brigadier-general, just one year after his last advancement, has ignited debate on social media and reportedly caused unease within the Nigerian Army.
The promotion, officially termed a “special presidential promotion,” was outlined in a letter dated December 12, 2025, from National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to the Chief of Army Staff. The correspondence confirmed that Yusuf would maintain his role as the president’s ADC despite the new rank.
“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,” the letter stated.
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The move has generated significant discussion, particularly given that Tinubu decorated Yusuf with the rank of colonel in January 2025, following a December 2024 promotion—barely 12 months ago. Yusuf initially assumed the position of presidential ADC in April 2023 as a lieutenant colonel.
The leaked promotion letter sparked heated exchanges on social media platform X, with Nigerians divided over the appropriateness of the decision.
Defending the president’s action, user @Orukusuku argued that Tinubu was operating within his constitutional powers as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. “The promotion he got last year was his regular promotion. If the President wishes to grant Col Yusuf special promotion this year, he may authorise the NSA to write to the COAS,” the user explained, noting that the “special” designation exists precisely because such promotions fall outside normal cycles.
However, critics questioned the justification for the rapid advancement. @Murtalaibin stated: “The President’s Aide-de-Camp has not demonstrated any exceptional service that would justify a special promotion. While President Tinubu may possess the authority to promote his ADC and retain a Brig. Gen. in that role, exercising such power would set a dangerous precedent.”
Another user, @Novieverest, suggested the letter’s leak itself indicated internal military discontent. “For someone to leak that letter from the NSA to the Chief of Army Staff, it shows that the letter caused some problems within the Army and it was wrong for Tinubu to do that.”
@Boripe_ argued that Yusuf should relinquish the ADC position if elevated to brigadier-general. “Tinubu is setting a dangerous precedent by promoting his ADC to brigadier and retaining him as ADC. If this travesty should stand, one day, we will have a President that will say he wants COAS as ADC,” the user warned.
The promotion has reportedly caused dissatisfaction among Nigerian Army personnel, though official military reaction remains unavailable at the time of this report.
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.
