'God Told Me Not To Fear Before I Took INEC Job'

‘God Told Me Not To Fear Before I Took INEC Job’ – Amupitan
INEC chairman calls for prayers ahead of 2027 elections
He stresses purpose and conviction in public service

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Joash Amupitan, has said he accepted the responsibility of leading Nigeria’s electoral body after receiving strong personal conviction that he would be strengthened for the task.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Amupitan made the remark 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 Akanji.

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

Reflecting on his decision to take up the role, the INEC chairman stated that he drew strength from what he described as a clear message from God.

“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 noted that this conviction has remained central to his leadership at the commission, despite the challenges of managing elections in a complex democratic environment.

According to him, divine guidance has sustained him since assuming office, adding that no situation is beyond God’s 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.

Amupitan also called on Nigerians to support the commission through prayers ahead of the 2027 general elections, expressing confidence in improved outcomes.

“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 said.

He further reflected on public service, cautioning against taking up responsibilities without a clear sense of purpose.

'God Told Me Not To Fear Before I Took INEC Job' – Amupitan — ‘God Told Me Not To Fear Before I Took INEC Job’ – Amupitan

“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.