The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared that NONE of the 23 candidates cleared for today’s governorship election in Anambra State has been disqualified.

The electoral umpire was reacting to text messages circulating in the state since yesterday purporting that the frontrunner, Chief Willie Obiano of APGA, had been disqualified from the race. The text messages have been traced to the camp of one of Obiano’s arch-rivals.

Obiano’s campaign organisation had in a statement last night dismissed the rumour as “spurious and malicious,” adding: “This is a cruel lie, fabricated in the pits of hell by a scared opposition, notorious for visiting dark hovels for blood covenants in search of power.

“We are familiar with their antics and the regime of fear they seek to foist on the people of Anambra State. But their dark designs have failed because there is no army on earth that is strong enough to thwart the will of the people.

“We urge you to disregard this lie because no matter how well told, a lie is still a lie. Chief Willie Obiano is still very much in the race. At the same time, we implore all lovers of a free and better society as well as all supporters of Chief Willie Obiano to refrain from any acts that might constitute a breach of the peace.”

•Photo shows INEC Chairman, Attahiru Jega.