Why I accepted INEC Chair’s job- Amupitan

By Lateef Ibrahim

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Joash Amupitan, has stirred fresh debate over his leadership after stating that he accepted his appointment based on what he described as a “divine conviction.”
Mr Amupitan, who was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on October 23, 2025, said he would have declined the role but for what he believes was a clear directive from God assuring him of strength and support.
Speaking in Abuja at a thanksgiving and appreciation service held in honour of the outgoing president of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Israel Akanji, the INEC boss maintained that his decision to lead the electoral body was divinely guided.
According to him, his experience in office has reinforced his belief that leadership assignments, including public service roles, should only be undertaken with divine backing. He added that despite challenges and what he described as “storms,” he has relied on faith to navigate the demands of the office.
The remarks come at a time when opposition parties and civil society groups have intensified calls for his removal, citing alleged partisanship and lack of neutrality.
Critics have pointed to past social media activity allegedly linked to Mr Amupitan, which suggested support for the ruling All Progressives Congress during the 2023 general elections. Although he has denied ownership of the posts, digital traces reportedly tied the account to him.
The controversy has fueled public distrust, with a coalition of youth groups and opposition elements staging a protest at an INEC office in Sokoto, demanding his sack over claims that the commission is compromising the democratic process.
Despite the pressure, Mr Amupitan called for prayers for Nigeria and the electoral body, expressing optimism that the 2027 general elections would be the most credible in the country’s history.