The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), has stressed the urgent need for Nigeria to strengthen its legal framework to keep pace with rapid technological changes and safeguard democratic governance.
Amupitan made this call while presiding over the 47th Founders’ Day Lecture of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, held at the Ayo Ajomo Auditorium, University of Lagos. The lecture focused on the theme, “Civic Participation, Rule of Law and Accountable Governance in a Digital Era.”
He noted that technology has significantly transformed governance systems worldwide, creating both opportunities and risks for democratic institutions.
“We are living in a time when technology is fundamentally reshaping governance,” Amupitan said. “Digital platforms now amplify citizens’ voices and improve transparency, but they also introduce new challenges that must be addressed.”
The INEC chairman warned that the rise of misinformation, digital manipulation, data breaches and artificial intelligence poses serious threats to democratic stability if left unchecked.
“These developments are testing the resilience of our legal systems,” he said. “Innovation must not outpace regulation or weaken democratic institutions. What Nigeria needs is a proactive and adaptive legal framework that supports transparency while protecting governance structures.”
Amupitan described the Founders’ Day event as an opportunity not only to reflect on institutional progress but also to respond to emerging challenges.
He commended the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies for its role in bridging the gap between theory and practice, urging it to intensify research into digital governance.
“As a leading centre for legal scholarship, the institute must continue to interrogate evolving issues and provide evidence-based guidance for policy development,” he added.
Delivering the keynote address, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr Theodore Maiyaki, underscored the importance of sustained civic engagement, noting that participation in governance now extends beyond traditional voting processes.
“Citizens no longer engage only through ballot boxes or town hall meetings,” Maiyaki said. “They now participate through online campaigns, petitions and digital communities, which have redefined democratic interaction.”
He, however, cautioned that while technology enhances participation, it also carries risks that could undermine democratic values.
“Technology can either strengthen democracy or weaken it,” he stated. “It can empower citizens or become a tool for control. That is why appropriate safeguards are critical.”
Maiyaki further emphasised that democracy requires continuous citizen involvement, warning that public disengagement could weaken governance.
“Democracy collapses when citizens become silent,” he said.
“Engagement must go beyond elections to ensure accountability at all levels.”
On the rule of law, he stressed the need for practical impact on citizens’ lives, linking effective governance to improved public services and justice delivery.
“The rule of law must translate into real outcomes such as functional schools, accessible healthcare, employment opportunities and basic infrastructure,” he said, adding that delays in the justice system and perceived interference have eroded public confidence.
He also called for stronger measures in data protection, cybersecurity and the use of artificial intelligence to ensure transparency and accountability.
“Digital innovation must enhance openness, not obscure it, because accountability is a public trust,” Maiyaki said.
In his remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, Prof. Abiola Sanni (SAN), advocated stronger collaboration between academic institutions and research bodies to advance legal development.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Prof. Abdulqadir Abikan, reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to supporting governance through research and policy engagement.
He highlighted its contributions in areas such as criminal justice, environmental law, anti-money laundering and consumer protection.
Abikan disclosed that the institute conducted 31 capacity-building programmes in 2025, training nearly 1,000 participants, while also producing policy materials and draft court rules through donor-supported initiatives.
He acknowledged existing challenges, including inflation and infrastructure gaps, but expressed optimism about ongoing efforts to address them.
