The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Joash Amupitan, has expressed confidence that divine intervention will see him through mounting public scrutiny, declaring that “God will calm every storm” as he continues to lead Nigeria’s electoral body.
Amupitan made the statement in Abuja during an end-of-tenure appreciation service organised by the Nigerian Baptist Convention for its outgoing president, Israel Akanji, and his wife, Victoria.
The INEC chairman said his emergence as head of the commission was not driven by personal ambition but by what he described as divine conviction.
“If I did not have the conviction for this job, I would not accept it,” he said.
He explained that he accepted the role after receiving what he believed was a clear spiritual assurance.
“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,” he said.
Amupitan noted that this conviction has remained his guiding force, especially in navigating the complexities of managing elections in Nigeria.
According to him, faith has been central in confronting challenges, stressing that no situation is beyond divine control.
“No matter the storm, no matter the difficulty, God is able to calm every storm. That is what God has been doing,” he said.
He also called on Nigerians to support the commission through prayers ahead of the 2027 general elections, expressing optimism that the polls could mark a turning point in the country’s democratic journey.
“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.
“I cannot do it on my own, but with the Lord on my side, it is possible, and it is doable.”
Amupitan cautioned against taking up public responsibilities without a sense of purpose, which he described as essential for leadership.
“My experience so far as the INEC chairman is that if God does not send you somewhere, do not go there,” he said.
His remarks come amid heightened scrutiny over alleged past social media posts said to be sympathetic to the All Progressives Congress during the 2023 elections.
The INEC boss has denied any link to the account, insisting he has remained politically neutral throughout his career.
The commission has also dismissed the claims, describing them as attempts to undermine its leadership ahead of key electoral preparations.
Despite the pressure, Amupitan maintained that his priority remains strengthening Nigeria’s electoral system and delivering what he described as the most credible election in the country’s history in 2027.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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