Strengthening Democracy in the Digital Age: A Democratic Upward Approach for INEC
By Professor Ojo Emmanuel Ademola
The recent signing of the new Electoral Act by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey. It offers not only a refreshed legal framework but also a renewed opportunity for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reposition itself as a forward‑looking institution capable of stewarding elections in an increasingly digital world. As Nigeria continues to evolve politically, socially, and technologically, the imperative before INEC is clear: to adopt a democratic upward—or “upping”—approach that elevates transparency, participation, and institutional resilience. This approach must be rooted in innovation, grounded in public trust, and responsive to the realities of the Digital Age.
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Building a Digital‑First Electoral Infrastructure
The first pillar of a democratic upward approach lies in the deliberate construction of a digital‑first electoral infrastructure. The new Electoral Act provides a legal foundation for modernising electoral processes, but the real transformation will come from how INEC operationalises these provisions. A digital‑first orientation requires systems that are secure, transparent, and citizen‑centred. This begins with strengthening digital voter registration platforms to ensure that identity verification is seamless, accurate, and resistant to manipulation. Real‑time synchronisation of voter data across national and subnational databases will reduce duplication, enhance credibility, and streamline pre‑election logistics.
Equally important is the continued enhancement of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). BVAS has already demonstrated its potential to reduce fraud and improve the integrity of accreditation, but its reliability must be fortified through rigorous device testing, improved offline‑first capabilities, and stronger cybersecurity protocols. In addition, the expansion of electronic transmission of results—where legally permitted—should be pursued with a commitment to redundancy, auditability, and transparency. A digital‑first infrastructure, when properly implemented, reduces human error, limits opportunities for interference, and accelerates the collation process, thereby strengthening public confidence in electoral outcomes.
Institutionalising Transparency as a Core Operating Principle
Transparency remains the currency of trust in any democracy. For INEC, transparency must not be episodic or reactive; it must be institutionalised as a core operating principle. A democratic upward approach demands that the Commission consistently demonstrates openness in its processes, decisions, and communications. One effective strategy is the publication of pre‑election readiness dashboards that provide real‑time updates on logistics deployment, staff training, device distribution, and voter education efforts. Such dashboards, accessible to the public, political parties, and civil society, would demystify the Commission’s operations and reduce the space for speculation or misinformation.
During elections, INEC’s digital communication channels should serve as authoritative sources of timely updates. Verified platforms must be used to provide clear information on accreditation progress, technical incidents, and procedural clarifications. After elections, the Commission should release comprehensive technical reports that detail what worked, what failed, and what improvements will be implemented. This culture of transparency not only strengthens credibility but also encourages civic oversight and reinforces the legitimacy of the electoral process.
Deepening Digital Civic Education and Voter Engagement
No electoral reform can succeed without an informed and engaged citizenry. In the Digital Age, civic education must evolve beyond traditional methods to embrace innovative, accessible, and multilingual digital tools. INEC has the opportunity to lead a new era of voter enlightenment by deploying AI‑assisted educational platforms that explain the provisions of the new Electoral Act, outline voting procedures, and clarify citizens’ rights and responsibilities. These tools can be adapted into short‑form content—animations, infographics, voice notes, and interactive modules—that resonate with Nigeria’s diverse population, including young voters who consume information primarily through digital channels.
Partnerships with civil society organisations, faith‑based institutions, and community networks will amplify the reach of these educational efforts. By equipping citizens with accurate information, INEC can reduce the prevalence of invalid votes, counter misinformation, and foster a more participatory democratic culture. Digital civic education is not merely an add‑on; it is a strategic necessity for strengthening electoral integrity in a rapidly evolving information ecosystem.
Strengthening Cybersecurity and Digital Resilience
As elections become more digitised, the threat landscape becomes more complex. Cybersecurity is no longer a technical afterthought; it is a central pillar of electoral integrity. INEC must therefore invest in robust cybersecurity frameworks that protect its digital assets, safeguard voter data, and ensure the resilience of its technological systems. Independent cybersecurity audits should be conducted ahead of major elections to identify vulnerabilities and recommend mitigation strategies. A dedicated Election Cyber Command Centre, operating around the clock, would enable real‑time monitoring of threats, rapid incident response, and coordinated communication with security agencies.
Training is equally essential. INEC staff—both permanent and ad‑hoc—must be equipped with the knowledge and skills to recognise phishing attempts, handle sensitive data securely, and manage digital devices responsibly. A secure electoral system is not built solely on technology; it is built on people who understand how to protect that technology. By prioritising cybersecurity, INEC reinforces the integrity of the electoral process and strengthens public trust in digital innovations.
Expanding Stakeholder Collaboration and Co‑Creation
Democracy thrives when institutions work with the people, not above them. A democratic upward approach requires INEC to deepen its engagement with stakeholders across the political and civic spectrum. Regular digital town halls with political parties, civil society organisations, youth groups, and persons with disabilities will foster dialogue, address concerns, and build shared ownership of the electoral process. These engagements should not be perfunctory; they should be structured, inclusive, and solution‑oriented.
The establishment of a multi‑stakeholder advisory council on digital elections would further institutionalise collaboration. Such a council could provide insights on emerging technologies, advise on best practices, and serve as a bridge between INEC and the broader democratic community. Additionally, the release of open electoral data—within legal and ethical boundaries—would enable independent analysis, support academic research, and enhance transparency. Collaboration is not a sign of institutional weakness; it is a hallmark of democratic maturity.
Professionalising the Election Workforce for the Digital Age
Human capacity remains the backbone of any electoral system. As INEC embraces digital transformation, it must also professionalise its workforce to meet the demands of the Digital Age. This begins with the introduction of digital literacy certification for all staff involved in election administration. Simulation‑based training modules can prepare personnel for real‑world scenarios involving BVAS operation, result transmission, and incident management. Such training reduces operational errors, enhances consistency, and promotes professionalism.
The establishment of a National Electoral Training Institute, equipped with digital learning resources and research capabilities, would institutionalise capacity building and ensure continuous improvement. A well‑trained workforce is essential for delivering credible elections and sustaining public confidence in the Commission’s competence.
Institutionalising Post‑Election Learning and Innovation
A democratic upward approach is not static; it is iterative. INEC must therefore institutionalise a culture of post‑election learning and innovation. Comprehensive post‑election reviews, involving all stakeholders, should be conducted to assess performance, identify gaps, and recommend improvements. Lessons‑learned reports should be published and used to inform future reforms. The Commission should also explore emerging technologies—such as blockchain‑based audit trails—in controlled environments to evaluate their potential for enhancing transparency and security.
Innovation must be pursued responsibly, with careful consideration of legal frameworks, ethical implications, and societal readiness. By embracing continuous learning, INEC positions itself as a dynamic institution that can adapt to the evolving demands of democratic governance.
Nigeria stands at a crossroads where democratic aspirations intersect with technological possibilities. The new Electoral Act provides a legal foundation, but the real work lies in how INEC interprets and implements it. A democratic upward approach—anchored in digital innovation, transparency, civic engagement, cybersecurity, collaboration, professionalisation, and continuous learning—offers a pathway to strengthening democracy in the Digital Age. The future of Nigeria’s electoral integrity depends not only on laws but on leadership, vision, and the courage to embrace transformation.