Rabiu Kwankwaso, the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), has doubled down on his attack against his opponents ahead of the 2023 presidential election.

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 video posted on Twitter, Mr Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano, reiterated his credentials as a bona fide candidate to rule 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 rich understanding of how the Nigerian government operates 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 veiled caustic comment 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 Mr Abubakar, a two-time vice president. The term spare tyre is considered demeaning by many politicians, including incumbent Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who prefers to be called “copilot.”

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.

Later, interior minister Rauf Aregbesola, Mr Tinubu’s estranged ally, alluded to the incident, declaring “won ti n to ara” (they’re already urinating on themselves)

In September, a photograph of Mr Tinubu emerged wearing an inner device believed to be a ‘catheter bag’ to expel urine, further raising questions about his frail health status ahead of the 2023 general election.