“I heard clearly: ‘Fear not, do not be dismayed’ before accepting INEC role” — Amupitan

Joash Amupitan says he accepted his appointment as chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) only after receiving what he described as clear spiritual reassurance.

Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, Amupitan said: “If I didn’t have the conviction for this job, I would not accept it. But I had a conviction very clearly that the Lord said, ‘Fear not, do not be dismayed… I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you.’”

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

Amupitan added that his experience in office has reinforced that belief. “No matter the storm, no matter the difficulty, God is able to calm every storm,” he said.

He called on Nigerians to support the commission ahead of the 2027 general elections. “Continue to pray for Nigeria… 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,” he said.

He was appointed in October 2025 by Bola Tinubu, succeeding Mahmood Yakubu. He is the sixth substantive chairman of INEC.