Contrary to popular belief, Nurudeen Yusuf, the Aide-De-Camp (ADC) to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has not been promoted from Colonel to Brigadier-General, News Express can authoritatively report this Tuesday afternoon, December 16, 2025.

Col. Yusuf’s purported special promotion has caused an uproar since the leaking of a letter of approval by President Tinubu.

The approval was conveyed via a letter from the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) to the Chief of Army Staff. Dated December 12, 2025, the letter was signed by Nuhu Ribadu, the NSA.

In the letter, Ribadu said that Yusuf would be retained as the President’s ADC despite the promotion.

“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.

However, a top Presidency source told News Express yesterday evening: “It was just a recommendation from the NSA and the Army Council has not acted on it even though the President has allegedly approved it. News of such promotions usually emanate from the Army, not the office of the NSA.”

The leaked letter had sparked concerns in the military Col. Yusuf does not merit it.

A colonel in the Nigerian Army is expected to spend a duration of four to five years before becoming eligible for promotion.

On the contrary, Yusuf was promoted from Major to Colonel barely a year ago. In January 2025, Tinubu decorated him with the rank of Colonel after he was promoted in December 2024. The decoration ceremony took place at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

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