Rascality of a Street Convention: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s New Political Rhetoric

By Okoi Obono-Obla

On April 17, 2026, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu introduced a striking new phrase into Nigeria’s political lexicon while addressing the Renewed Hope Ambassadors at the State House in Abuja. He described the African Democratic Congress (ADC)’s recent national convention as the “rascality of a street convention,” dismissing it as illegitimate, noisy, and disorderly.

Meaning of the Phrase:

Rascality: In Nigerian political discourse, this term often denotes reckless, unserious, or disruptive behavior. President Tinubu employed it to suggest that the ADC acted irresponsibly and disregarded democratic norms.

Street Convention: This phrase implies that the ADC’s gathering was not a legitimate political convention but rather a chaotic, informal assembly akin to a rally on the street.

Combined Meaning: Together, the phrase paints the ADC’s convention as illegitimate, noisy, and unserious, undermining its credibility as a political party event.

Context of President Tinubu’s Statement:

Date & Setting: April 17, 2026, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Audience: President Tinubu addressed the 36 state coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors (RHA).

Purpose: He reaffirmed his readiness for the 2027 general elections and emphasized the importance of democracy and judicial authority.

Criticism of ADC: President Tinubu accused the ADC of disobedience to court orders and dismissed their convention as mere political “noise making.”

Why It Matters:

Political Legitimacy: President Tinubu’s statement underscores the tension between ruling and opposition parties in Nigeria, where the legitimacy of conventions and adherence to court rulings are critical.

Judiciary Emphasis: By contrasting the ADC’s “street convention” with his own commitment to judicial authority, President Tinubu positioned himself as a defender of democratic institutions.

Election Strategy: This rhetoric sets the stage for the 2027 elections, framing opposition parties as unserious or disruptive.

Key Takeaway:
The “rascality of a street convention” is not a formal political term but a rhetorical jab. President Tinubu used it to delegitimize the ADC’s national convention, portraying it as reckless and lacking proper democratic structure. It reflects a broader political strategy of undermining opponents by questioning their seriousness and adherence to legal norms.