The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has stated that he only accepted the role after what he described as a “clear divine conviction that God would strengthen and help him in office”.

Speaking in Abuja during an end-of-tenure and appreciation service organised by the Nigerian Baptist Convention for its outgoing president, Israel Akanji, and his wife, Victoria.

Amupitan explained that he would have turned down the appointment if he did not feel spiritually assured about it.

“If I did not have the conviction for this job, I would not accept it,” he said.

He said his decision to accept the position was shaped by what he described as a message from God at a defining moment.

“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.

He added that this conviction has continued to guide him in office, especially as he manages elections in a challenging democratic environment.

According to him, his experience has shown him the importance of divine support in public service, noting that challenges do not override faith.

“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 called on Nigerians to pray for INEC and the success of the 2027 general election, expressing optimism that the polls could be better than previous ones.

“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.”

He further advised against accepting responsibilities without what he described as clear direction and 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. (TRIBUNE)