Rabiu Kwankwaso, the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), has said some of the persons vying for presidency are not fit to be president.
Among the contestants in next year’s presidential race are Bola Tinubu (All Progressives Congress), Atiku Abubakar (Peoples Democratic Party) and Peter Obi (Labour Party).
In a viral video posted on Twitter, Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano, while extolling his own qualities and credentials, said he has what it takes to govern Nigeria after the exit of incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari.
In the video, the ex-Kano governor fielded questions in the Hausa language, the NNPP standard-bearer explained that he has a huge understanding of how the inner workings of the Nigerian government and is the best among the presidential contestants.
“Nigerians should vote wisely this time around, as the country needs someone who can save it,” stated Mr Kwankwaso, presenting himself as the saviour.
The NNPP candidate added, “I’ve worked with the ministry of defence, served as the Kano state governor and represented Kano Central senatorial district for several years with enough knowledge to know what is needed.”
He also touted his educational qualifications with a subtle scathing remark aimed at Messrs Tinubu and Abubakar.
“I am a PhD holder, unlike a secondary school cert holder or diploma cert holder. I do not ‘bedwet’, nor am I a spare tyre,” said Mr Kwankwaso.
The NNPP’s spare tyre jab could refer to Abubakar, a two-time vice president. The term spare tyre is considered derogatory by many politicians, including incumbent Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who prefers to be called “copilot.”. The term is spurred by the notion that vice president and deputy governor are not a force to be reckoned with in grand scheme of things and can only do as much as the President or governor allows them to.
In July, Mr Kwankwaso specifically advised Mr Tinubu to focus on his failing health instead of engaging in the rigour of electioneering.
Last February, a video depicting Mr Tinubu’s soaked dress and probable odour dominated discussion across social media. At the palace of Awujale of Ijebuland in Ijebu Ode, the APC presidential standard-bearer’s dress was soaked behind when he stood up, with his security aide frantically covering his nose.