Governor Umahi and his deputy cannot transfer the mandate of the PDP
to the APC. Citing section 221 of the constitution, Justice Inyang Ekwo ordered the PDP to immediately send names of replacements to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, so that fresh elections can be conducted. Delivering judgement in the case, the presiding judge, Justice ordered the governor and his deputy to vacate office, adding that their defection was illegal, null and unconstitutional. Justice Ekwo also ordered INEC to cease from recognising Umahi and Igwe as the governor and deputy governor of the Ebonyi State. The Court also ordered 15 members of the Ebonyi House of Assembly, including the Speaker, who defected from the PDP to the APC along with the governor to immediately vacate their seats.