Prof. Joash Amupitan, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has offered a rare glimpse into the personal conviction behind his acceptance of the role, describing it as a decision rooted in faith rather than personal ambition.
Speaking in Abuja during an end-of-tenure thanksgiving service organised by the Nigerian Baptist Convention for its outgoing President, Israel Akanji, and his wife, Victoria, Amupitan said he would not have taken on the responsibility without what he viewed as unmistakable spiritual direction.
“If I did not have the conviction for this job, I would not accept it,” he said.
The INEC chairman explained that his decision was influenced by what he interpreted as a direct assurance from God, one that ultimately gave him the confidence to step into a position widely regarded as one of the most complex in Nigeria’s public sector.
“The Lord said, ‘Fear not; do not be dismayed. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you.’ I heard this clearly before I accepted this job,” Amupitan said.
Since assuming office, he noted, that sense of conviction has remained central to how he approaches leadership, particularly in a system often challenged by logistical hurdles, political pressure, and public skepticism.
“No matter the storm, no matter the difficulty, God is able to calm every storm. That is what God has been doing,” he said.
Amupitan also used the occasion to call for continued public support, urging Nigerians to keep the commission in their prayers as preparations for the 2027 general elections begin to take shape.
“Continue to pray for Nigeria, continue to pray for us, and continue to pray for me that the 2027 election will be the best ever,” he said.
“I cannot do it on my own, but with the Lord on my side, it is possible, and it is doable.”
Beyond his personal reflections, he offered broader thoughts on leadership, cautioning against taking on major responsibilities without clarity of purpose.
“My experience so far as the INEC chairman is that if God does not send you somewhere, do not go there. If God does not send you, do not do it,” he said.
His remarks come at a time when political activities ahead of the 2027 elections are gradually intensifying across the country. Discussions around electoral transparency, the role of technology, and voter confidence are already shaping public discourse.
Amupitan was appointed in October 2025 by President Bola Tinubu, following the completion of Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure on October 7. His appointment marked his emergence as the sixth substantive chairman of the commission.
At the time of his swearing-in at the State House, he had similarly described his emergence as divinely ordained a position he has now reiterated publicly.
However, his tenure has not been without controversy. Recent allegations linking him to past social media activity suggesting sympathy for President Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress during the 2023 elections have drawn criticism from opposition figures and civil society groups.
The issue gained traction after reports surfaced of digital traces connecting an X account, previously associated with Amupitan to partisan posts.
The development has fueled concerns about the perceived neutrality of the electoral body ahead of the next general elections, with some voices calling for his resignation.
