SAN warns of tech threat to democracy, calls for strong safeguards

LAGOS: A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Prof. Theodore Maiyaki, has called for deeper civic participation, warning that unchecked technological advancement could pose serious risks to democracy.

Maiyaki made the call on Tuesday while delivering the 2026 Founders’ Day Lecture of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) in Lagos.

Speaking on the topic, ‘Civic Participation, Rule of Law and Accountable Governance in a Digital Era’ at the Ayo Ajomo Auditorium, University of Lagos, he said digital transformation has fundamentally reshaped how societies live, communicate and govern.

He noted that modern societies are increasingly driven by algorithms, data centres and digital platforms, which now influence public discourse, policy debates and state-citizen relations.

“Citizens no longer participate only through town halls or ballot boxes, but through hashtags, petitions, online campaigns and virtual communities,” he said.

Describing the digital age as paradoxical, Maiyaki observed that while technology expands access and participation, it also fuels misinformation, manipulation and intrusive surveillance.

He stressed that civic participation remains central to democratic legitimacy, referencing classical and contemporary thinkers such as Aristotle, Robert Dahl and Jürgen Habermas.

“Technology can strengthen democracy or weaken it; empower citizens or control them. That is why purposeful safeguards are a democratic necessity.

“Governance is not the exclusive domain of elected officials; citizens must engage continuously, not only during elections. Democracy collapses when public voices go silent,” he warned.

The legal scholar expressed concern over declining participation of the elite in Nigeria’s political processes, particularly during party congresses.

He emphasised that the rule of law must translate into tangible benefits such as functional schools, hospitals, employment opportunities and basic amenities.

Maiyaki also raised concerns over delays in justice delivery, selective anti-corruption enforcement and political interference, noting that these have eroded public confidence.

He called for robust data protection laws, improved cybersecurity and transparent deployment of artificial intelligence, stressing that digital rights must be protected as rigorously as traditional rights.

He further advocated strengthening democratic institutions, including elections, legislative oversight, judicial review, civil society and the media.

“Digital innovation must strengthen transparency, not obscure it, because accountability is a public trust and no office is above scrutiny,” he said.

Maiyaki urged Nigerians to deepen civic engagement and build a sustainable governance culture for future generations.

In his remarks, another Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Prof. Abiola Sanni, called for stronger collaboration between the faculty and NIALS to enhance legal scholarship and innovation.

Sanni said integrating intellectual resources and research facilities would boost legal education and research output in the country.

“We are committed to building productive linkages with NIALS, drawing inspiration from global models,” he said.

He highlighted the importance of history, research and strategic planning in promoting academic excellence, while also commending ongoing infrastructural development, including new buildings, digital libraries and modern lecture theatres.

He expressed optimism that the improvements would strengthen learning, research and professional engagement within Nigeria’s legal sector.

Dignitaries at the event included Prof. Epiphany Azinge (SAN), Asagba of Asaba; Lagos State Attorney-General, Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN); Justice Hakeem Oshodi; and Justice Modupe Nicole-Clay.