The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has stated that despite increasing public scrutiny and controversy surrounding his leadership, he remains confident that “God will calm every storm.” Amupitan made these remarks in Abuja during an end-of-tenure and appreciation service organized by the Nigerian Baptist Convention for its outgoing president, Israel Akanji, and his wife, Victoria.
Divine Conviction in Leadership
The INEC chairman emphasized that his appointment to lead Nigeria’s electoral body was not driven by personal ambition but was rooted in 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 his acceptance of the role was based on a clear spiritual message that guided him into public service.
“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 recounted. He noted that this conviction has been his anchor while leading the commission, particularly amid the complexities of election management in Nigeria.
Faith as a Source of Strength
According to Amupitan, faith has been instrumental in helping him navigate challenges, and he insists that no difficulty 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 stated. He urged Nigerians to pray for the commission and for the success of the 2027 general elections, expressing optimism that the polls could mark a turning point for the country’s democratic process.
“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,” he added.
Warning Against Undivine Leadership
Amupitan cautioned against accepting public responsibility without divine direction, stressing that purpose is critical in 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 comments come at a time when he faces heightened scrutiny over social media controversies linked to allegations of past online posts that were allegedly sympathetic to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2023 elections.
Denial of Allegations
Amupitan has denied any connection to the disputed social media account, maintaining that he has remained politically neutral throughout his career. The commission has also dismissed the allegations, describing them as attempts to undermine its leadership ahead of critical electoral preparations. Despite growing political pressure, Amupitan maintained that his focus remains on strengthening the electoral process and delivering what he described as the most credible election in Nigeria’s history in 2027.
