The Abia State Chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared that the son of the state governor, Engr Chinedum Orji, who is aspiring to represent Umuahia Central state constituency, is still in the race

Chairman of the party, Senator Emma Nwaka, told newsmen in his office in Umuahia yesterday that no aspirant had been disqualified by the Appeal Panel which heard petitions arising from the screening of the aspirants.

The chairman, who handed Chinedum's clearance certificate to newsmen, said none of the certificates, including that of others, has been withdrawn.

"In Umuahia Central state constituency, we have three aspirants. I know you will take me up on this because this is where Engr Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji is from. Rumour is flying that he has been disqualified. I hear that even one paper has it on their online platform that he has been disqualified. I want to say to you that Engr. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji is still in the race. I have copies of his clearance certificate here and am not aware that any certificate already issued has been withdrawn. You know the period we are in is the period of rumour mongering," he said.

It was reported early yesterday that the son had been disqualified on account of being a cultist. The report had it that a confessed cultist alleged that Chinedum was the Capone (leader) of a Black Axe Confraternity. However, another online report quoted the Secretary of the appeal panel as denying the disqualification report.

•Photo shows Abia PDP Chairman, Senator Nwaka, addressing newsmen yesterday in Umuahia.