President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has suspended the special promotion of his Aide-de-Camp (ADC), Col. Nurudeen Alowonle Yusuf, to the rank of brigadier-general following concerns raised within the Nigerian Army over the move, reliable sources have confirmed.

The suspension comes amid widespread criticism in military circles after reports emerged that the President had approved a “special presidential promotion” for Yusuf from colonel to brigadier-general.

The approval was reportedly conveyed through a letter from the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

The letter, which was leaked to the public, was dated Dec. 12, 2025, and signed by the NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

In the correspondence, Ribadu conveyed the President’s approval of the promotion and stated that Yusuf would be retained as the President’s ADC despite the elevation in 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. Please accept the assurances of my esteemed regards,” the memo read.

The reported promotion immediately generated controversy, as Yusuf was only decorated as a colonel in January 2025, making the proposed advancement his second promotion within a 12-month period.

Under existing Nigerian Army promotion guidelines, an officer is required to spend between four and five years in the rank of colonel before becoming eligible for promotion to brigadier-general.

In addition, such an officer is expected to complete mandatory professional military education, including attendance at a war college or senior staff course, as well as a strategic-level course at the National Defence College or an equivalent institution.

Several senior officers, including some of Yusuf’s coursemates, were said to have expressed dissatisfaction over what they described as an unprecedented acceleration of his career progression.

Critics within the military accused the Presidency of favouritism, warning that such actions could undermine morale, discipline and fairness within the armed forces.

“This beggars belief and defies all logic,” a senior military officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said. “Someone who was just promoted to colonel this year is now being moved to brigadier-general.”

However, in a fresh development on Tuesday, the President was reported to have rescinded the special promotion.

According to a report by The Cable, the decision followed a last-minute intervention by two former Chiefs of Army Staff, who reportedly advised against the move.

A presidential source quoted in the report said the promotion would not take place “anytime soon,” signalling a reversal of the earlier approval.

The development has been welcomed in some quarters as a step towards preserving established military norms and preventing perceived politicisation of promotions within the armed forces.

Analysts say the suspension could help restore confidence among officers and reinforce adherence to due process in career advancement within the Nigerian Army.