If the "One/or Group" creates a "Legal Battle" against government...the "One /or Group" needs (or should have) legal representation to proceed for obvious variables. The Mayor and city attorney found a glitch, and quickly.
Trouble is, finding an attorney in Wilmington...that hasn't done work for the city of Wilmington, and on a retainer.
Good luck...call your Congress Rep. in Raleigh for advice, because this petition is for a good cause! Monkey Junction annexation got stopped...didn't it?