Gbajabiamila under scrutiny over bid for special promotion of police officers attached to politicians
Fresh controversy has erupted over moves by the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, to secure special promotions for eight police officers attached to politicians, sparking concerns over possible interference in police administrative processes.
According to reports, Gbajabiamila wrote to the Police Service Commission (PSC) in two separate letters requesting accelerated promotions for officers attached to the President and other senior government officials.
One of the letters, dated February 20, 2026, reportedly contained the names of three officers, while a second letter listed five others.
Among the recommendations was the elevation of one officer from Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), while two others were proposed for promotion from Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) to Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP).
Gbajabiamila reportedly justified the request by citing the officers’ dedication, leadership qualities, teamwork, gallantry and overall performance.
In the correspondence, he said the officers deserved promotion in recognition of their “exemplary leadership qualities, gallantry, teamwork and general performance” in their respective assignments.
The development has since reignited debate over the powers of the Police Service Commission under the Police Service Commission (Establishment) Act, 2001.
Section 6 of the law grants the commission sole authority over the appointment and promotion of officers in the Nigeria Police Force, excluding the office of the Inspector-General of Police.
The law also states that the commission shall not be subjected to the direction, control or supervision of any authority or individual in carrying out its responsibilities, except as provided in the Act.
Although the legislation permits the President to issue directives to the commission, such powers are restricted to policy matters of a general nature.
The controversy also recalls previous debates over special promotions within the Tinubu administration.
In January 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s aide-de-camp, Nurudeen Yusuf, was reportedly elevated from Lieutenant Colonel to Colonel before later receiving a promotion to Brigadier-General under what was described as a “special presidential promotion.”
However, plans to decorate Yusuf as a one-star general were later suspended following concerns raised by two former Chiefs of Army Staff over its implications for military hierarchy.
A presidency source reportedly warned that the latest request for police promotions could fuel perceptions of preferential treatment for officers serving political officeholders.
The source argued that officers on the frontlines battling insecurity often receive little recognition, while those attached to top government officials may enjoy faster career advancement.
Another police officer familiar with the matter reportedly expressed fears that the development could weaken morale among personnel combating insecurity across the country, especially those deployed to conflict zones.
The officer warned that promotions in the security services risk becoming increasingly tied to political influence rather than merit and service record, a trend that could affect discipline and motivation within the force.
