President Bola Tinubu has indefinitely suspended the planned “special presidential promotion” of his Aide-de-Camp (ADC), Colonel Nurudeen Yusuf, to Brigadier-General, following intervention by two former Chiefs of Army Staff who cautioned that the move would undermine military hierarchy and morale.

The promotion, approved via a December 12 letter from National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, bypassed standard requirements such as four years’ service at the rank of colonel and attendance at the National Defence College. It was scheduled for Monday evening but was abruptly shelved just hours before, according to The Cable.

Yusuf, decorated as colonel in January 2025 after his December 2024 elevation, would have been the first brigadier to serve as presidential ADC—a role traditionally reserved for colonels or lieutenant colonels. The plan sparked outrage within military circles, with critics describing it as a “dangerous precedent” that erodes meritocracy. The NSA’s directive to Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu to retain Yusuf as ADC post-promotion further fueled accusations of undue influence. Defence Minister Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.) and Shaibu reportedly cut short a Lagos visit to address the crisis.

Two respected retired army chiefs, whose names were withheld, persuaded Tinubu against proceeding, citing risks to institutional integrity. A presidential source confirmed the promotion is off “anytime soon.” Yusuf has previously faced allegations of leveraging his proximity to the presidency for officer promotions and retentions, including a withdrawn memo that sought to allow retirement-due officers to remain in service during the November security emergency.

Beyond his military role, Yusuf was crowned Ilemona monarch in Kwara State in July 2024 and is expected to fully assume traditional duties upon retirement. The episode underscores tensions over presidential influence in military affairs and highlights the delicate balance Tinubu faces in advancing his broader security reforms.