The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, has disclosed that he accepted the responsibility of leading Nigeria’s electoral body only after receiving what he described as a clear divine conviction.

Speaking in Abuja during an end-of-tenure and appreciation service organised by the Nigerian Baptist Convention for its outgoing president, Israel Akanji, Amupitan said he would have declined the appointment without that spiritual assurance.

“If I did not have the conviction for this job, I would not accept it,” he said, adding that he drew strength from what he described as a message from God before taking up the role.

Amupitan explained that this conviction has remained central to his leadership, helping him navigate the complexities of managing elections in Nigeria.

“No matter the storm, no matter the difficulty, God is able to calm every storm,” he stated.

The INEC chairman also called on Nigerians to support the commission with prayers ahead of the 2027 general elections, expressing optimism that the polls could set a new standard.

“Continue to pray for Nigeria… that the 2027 election will be the best ever,” he said.

Amupitan, who was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in October 2025 to succeed Mahmood Yakubu, is the sixth substantive chairman of the commission.

His remarks come amid heightened public scrutiny over his leadership, including allegations linked to resurfaced social media posts suggesting partisan leanings during the 2023 elections, claims he has denied.

The commission has also rejected the allegations, describing them as attempts to undermine its credibility, even as opposition voices continue to call for his resignation.