The appellate court, in its judgment led by Justice Elfrieda Williams-Dawodu, cited Section 177 of the constitution and held that the governor was not validly sponsored by the PDP during the election. The court also pointed out that the PDP violated a court order by not conducting a valid congress in the state’s 17 Local Government Areas.

Ibe emphasized that democracy goes beyond just having a representative government but also thrives on the diversity of ideas. He criticized the narrowing of opposition engagement by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nigeria, whether through electoral rigging or judicial processes allegedly influenced by the ruling party.

He highlighted the controversial declarations made by courts in opposition-controlled states such as Nassarawa, Kano, Zamfara, and Plateau. According to Ibe, these occurrences not only undermine faith in the electoral and judicial systems but also compromise Nigeria’s democracy.

Ibe also expressed concern over the video of an APC lawmaker threatening to compromise the judicial process to ensure the party’s victory in the courts. He called for a united effort to rescue democracy from those who seek to manipulate and control it.

Additionally, Ibe criticized the lack of opposition in Lagos State where Bola Tinubu, a prominent APC figure, holds significant influence, alleging that judges were forced to join the ruling party. He pointed out the mistreatment of opposition members, including the suspension and arrest of a PDP member in the Lagos State House of Assembly, who mysteriously had charges dropped after defecting to the APC.