Promotion of Tinubu’s ADC shelved after retired Generals’ intervention

The planned promotion of Nurudeen Yusuf, aide-de-camp (ADC) to President Bola Tinubu, to the rank of brigadier-general has been shelved following last-minute intervention by two retired Chiefs of Army Staff.

According to TheCable, the controversial decoration, scheduled to take place on Monday evening, was halted after concerns were raised by the former army chiefs over the process leading to the proposed elevation.

Yusuf, who was only promoted to the rank of colonel in January 2024, was reportedly set to be elevated to one-star general through what was described as a “special presidential promotion”.

Under established military procedures, an officer must serve as a colonel for a minimum of four years and attend the National Defence College (NDC) before becoming eligible for promotion to the rank of brigadier-general.

Sources disclosed that approval to bypass these requirements was conveyed in a letter from the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) to the Chief of Army Staff, directing that the promotion be effected.

However, the move reportedly triggered disquiet within military circles, prompting the intervention of senior retired officers who cautioned against setting a precedent that could undermine professionalism, morale and established career progression within the Nigerian Army.

Following the intervention, the promotion was put on hold, with no official statement yet from the Presidency or the Nigerian Army on whether the plan has been cancelled outright or deferred.

The development has reignited debate over adherence to military protocols and the limits of executive discretion in matters of armed forces promotions.