Amupitan: What God Told Me Before I Accepted INEC Job

ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has revealed that his decision to lead the nation’s electoral umpire was born out of a “clear divine conviction” rather than mere professional ambition.

Speaking in Abuja during an appreciation service hosted by the Nigerian Baptist Convention for its outgoing president, Israel Akanji, Amupitan noted that he would have turned down the appointment if he had not received spiritual assurance. He told the gathering that he relied on a specific message of divine strength before stepping into the high-pressure role.

“If I did not have the conviction for this job, I would not accept it,” the Chairman stated, adding that God had promised to uphold him through the complexities of his office. He maintained that this faith has served as his anchor amid the challenges of managing Nigeria’s democratic processes.

The INEC boss emphasized that no political “storm” is too great for divine intervention, according to reports monitored by NaijaChoice News. He urged the Nigerian public to support the commission through prayers as it begins the long walk toward the next general cycle.

Looking ahead, Amupitan expressed optimism that the 2027 general election would set a new benchmark for the country. “Continue to pray for me that the 2027 election will be the best ever,” he said, acknowledging that the task is “doable” only with supernatural assistance.

This public testimony comes at a time when the commission faces heightened scrutiny. Appointed by President Bola Tinubu in October 2025 to succeed Mahmood Yakubu, Amupitan has recently dealt with allegations regarding his perceived neutrality.

Controversy has trailed the Chairman following claims of partisan social media posts linked to his name from the 2023 election cycle. While opposition figures and civil society groups have called for his resignation, Amupitan has firmly denied the existence of such accounts, insisting on his political independence.

The INEC Chairman also warned those seeking public office against taking up responsibilities without a genuine sense of purpose. He cautioned that individuals should not venture into roles where they do not feel a “divine send,” citing his own experience at the helm of the commission.

The electoral body has recently defended its leadership against what it describes as attempts to discredit the umpire. This includes pushback against demands from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) regarding internal party leadership disputes.

As political actors begin calculating for 2027, Amupitan’s reliance on faith highlights the immense pressure and expectations placed on the shoulders of Nigeria’s chief electoral officer.