Tinubu’s ADC Nurudeen Yusuf Promoted Twice in a Year, Sparks Military Controversy

President Bola Tinubu has approved the promotion of his Aide-de-Camp (ADC), Nurudeen Yusuf, to the rank of brigadier-general, a move that has stirred controversy and unease within the Nigerian Army.

The approval was conveyed in a letter dated 12 December 2025 from the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Wahid Shaibu. The decision has attracted attention because Mr Yusuf was only promoted to the rank of colonel in January 2025, making the latest elevation his second promotion within a single year.

Several serving officers, including some said to be his coursemates, have reportedly expressed dissatisfaction over what they view as an unusually rapid rise, with critics alleging that the process reflects preferential treatment. One senior officer was quoted as saying the development “beggars belief and defies all logic,” questioning how an officer promoted to colonel earlier in the year could be elevated again so soon.

Neither the Presidency nor the Nigerian Army has issued an official public statement explaining the accelerated promotion. However, a source within the Presidency, who spoke anonymously due to lack of authorisation to comment, said the promotion was approved to ensure parity within the presidential security team.

According to the source, the President’s Chief Personal Security Officer, Usman Shugaba, was promoted by the Nigeria Police Force in August from deputy commissioner of police to commissioner of police, while the State Security Services recently elevated the President’s Chief Security Officer, Adegboyega Fasasi, to the rank of director. The ranks of commissioner of police and SSS director are regarded as equivalent to that of a brigadier-general in the Nigerian Army.

The source explained that without a corresponding promotion, Mr Yusuf would have remained junior in rank to his counterparts within the Presidential Villa’s security structure, a situation that could affect cohesion and morale among the team.

Mr Yusuf was appointed ADC to President Tinubu on 1 May 2023, about four weeks before the President’s inauguration. At the time of his appointment, he held the rank of lieutenant-colonel.