Prof. Joash Amupitan, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has spoken out about his decision to lead Nigeria’s electoral body, revealing that he only accepted the appointment after receiving a “clear divine conviction.”
Speaking today, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Abuja, Amupitan shared these personal insights during an appreciation service organized by the Nigerian Baptist Convention.
The “Divine Conviction”
Amupitan emphasized that his acceptance was rooted in spiritual assurance rather than political ambition:
- The Decision: He stated that he would have declined the role if he hadn’t felt God was sending him. “If I did not have the conviction for this job, I would not accept it,” he noted.
- The Message: He recalled hearing a specific divine message before saying yes: “Fear not; do not be dismayed. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you.”
- The Anchor: He described this faith as his anchor in the “stormy” and complex environment of managing Nigerian elections.
Focus on 2027
The Chairman used the platform to look ahead to the next general election cycle:
- “Best Ever” Goal: He called on Nigerians to pray for the commission, vowing to make the 2027 elections the “best ever” in the country’s history.
- A Call for Prayer: Amupitan acknowledged the difficulty of the task, stating, “I cannot do it on my own, but with the Lord on my side, it is possible.”
Context of the Remarks
These comments come at a time of heightened scrutiny for the INEC boss:
- Neutrality Concerns: This week, digital activists and opposition figures (including the ADC) have raised questions about his neutrality, citing resurfaced social media posts from 2023.
- INEC’s Rebuttal: The commission has officially denied these claims, stating that Amupitan does not own the X (Twitter) accounts in question and that the allegations are fabricated to discredit his leadership.
- Leadership Transition: Amupitan, a Professor of Law and SAN, took over from Mahmood Yakubu in October 2025 and is the first person from Kogi State to lead the commission.
