COAS Holds Ground Power, CDS Drives Policy: Adekoye

Security analyst Onyekachi Adekoye has identified the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) as the most influential figure within Nigeria’s military leadership. He shared this perspective during a recent interview on Channels Television, addressing speculation about President Bola Tinubu’s motives for appointing new service chiefs.

Adekoye clarified the distinct roles within the military command structure. He explained that while the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) focuses on high-level strategy and inter-service coordination, the COAS holds direct command over ground troops. This operational authority positions the COAS as the most powerful service chief in practical terms.

The Power of Ground Command

“The Chief of Army Staff, on a very clear point, is the most powerful, because he’s the man who has the men on the ground,” Adekoye stated. He emphasized that the real weight of military authority rests with the COAS, who manages soldiers in real-time situations. In contrast, he described the CDS as primarily a policy and strategy-oriented role.

Adekoye challenged narratives suggesting the appointments were driven by coup fears or regime protection. He argued that if personal security were the primary concern, the president would have appointed both the COAS and CDS from his own ethnic group. Instead, the appointments reflect a balanced distribution across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.

As detailed in the complete version, there are several key factors to consider.

A Balanced Leadership Appointment

The security expert highlighted the unprecedented regional representation in the current military leadership. He concluded that the evidence points toward national balance rather than political strategy behind the service chief changes. This inclusive approach, he believes, counters claims of underlying fear or a narrow agenda in the presidential decision. The composition of the new military leadership demonstrates a commitment to equitable representation across the nation.