A recent report has drawn renewed attention to the long-standing institution of the Aide-de-Camp (ADC) in Nigeria, highlighting its evolution from the colonial period to the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Far from being a mere ceremonial attachment, the ADC has remained a critical figure within Nigeria’s political and military architecture for more than seven decades.
Traditionally drawn from the armed forces, the ADC occupies a unique position that blends military discipline, personal loyalty, and state protocol. Often seen standing discreetly behind presidents, governors, and heads of state, ADCs function as close protectors, confidential aides, and symbols of authority. Their role places them at the crossroads of national history and personal trust, sometimes exposing them to grave danger.
According to PR Nigeria, the risks associated with this duty are not merely theoretical. Several ADCs have paid the ultimate price while serving their principals. Lieutenant Akintunde Akinsehinwa was killed during the failed coup that led to the assassination of General Murtala Muhammed in February 1976. Years later, Lieutenant Colonel Usman Kakanda Bello lost his life during the April 22, 1990 coup attempt against General Ibrahim Babangida. These deaths underscore the perilous nature of a position that demands unwavering loyalty, even in moments of national crisis.
Beyond sacrifice, the ADC role has also served as a formative stage for officers who later rose to national prominence. One notable example is Lieutenant Colonel Sambo Dasuki, who served as ADC to General Babangida before becoming a central figure in Nigeria’s security establishment years later. Despite this, history shows that advancement while actively serving as an ADC is rare. Over the decades, almost no ADC has risen beyond the rank of Colonel during their tenure in the role.
The only notable exception is Colonel Abide Aprezi, who was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General during the short transitional government of General Abdulsalami Abubakar between 1998 and 1999. His case remains unique in the annals of Nigeria’s ADC tradition.
From the colonial governors to elected civilian presidents, the continuity of the ADC institution reflects Nigeria’s blend of military heritage and evolving democratic governance. Even in the current democratic dispensation, the presence of ADCs underscores the enduring influence of military protocol within the nation’s leadership framework.
Today, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the tradition continues with Lieutenant Colonel Nurudeen Alowonle Yusuf, who was promoted to Colonel in 2024 while serving as ADC. His elevation signals both continuity and subtle change within an institution that has largely resisted transformation.
Selected Historical List of Nigerian Aides-de-Camp
Colonial Era
- Sir John Stuart Macpherson (Governor, early 1950s)
- Sir James Robertson (Governor-General, 1957)
- Capt. Robert Adeyinka Adebayo
Post-Independence and Military Governments
- Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe (1960–1966)
- Lt. Orho Esio Obada (Army)
- Lt. Michael Adelanwa (Navy)
- Major General J.T.U. Aguiyi-Ironsi (1966)
- Lt. Sani Bello (Army)
- Lt. Andrew Nwankwo (Air Force)
- Lt. Denson Okujagu (Navy)
- General Yakubu Gowon (1966–1975)
- Capt. William Walbe (later Lt. Colonel)
- General Murtala Muhammed (1975–1976)
- Lt. Akintunde Akinsehinwa (killed in line of duty)
- General Olusegun Obasanjo (1976–1979)
- Capt. Ekpo Archibong
- Major Omowon
- President Shehu Shagari (1979–1983)
- Lt. Col. Isa Usman Garkida
- Major Ali Geidam
- Major General Muhammadu Buhari (1983–1985)
- Major Mustapha Haruna Jokolo
- General Ibrahim Babangida (1985–1993)
- Major Sambo Dasuki
- Lt. Col. Usman Kakanda Bello (killed during 1990 coup attempt)
- Col. Nuhu Bamalli
- General Sani Abacha (1993–1998)
- Lt. Col. Abdulmalik Jibrin
- Major Aminu
- Lt. Col. Mohammed Mustapha Abdallah
- General Abdulsalami Abubakar (1998–1999)
- Col. Abide Aprezi (later Brigadier General)
Democratic Era
- President Olusegun Obasanjo (1999–2007)
- President Muhammadu Buhari (2015–2023)
- Col. Mohammed Lawal Abubakar (2015–2021)
- Col. Yusuf Muktar Dodo (2021–2023)
- President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (2023–Present)
- Lt. Col. Nurudeen Alowonle Yusuf (promoted Colonel, 2024)
As Nigeria continues to evolve politically, the story of its ADCs remains a powerful reminder of loyalty, service, and sacrifice behind the scenes of power.
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