The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has said that despite growing public scrutiny and controversy surrounding his leadership, he remains confident that “God will calm every storm”.

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

The INEC chairman said his appointment to lead Nigeria’s electoral body was not a personal ambition but a decision anchored on what he described as divine conviction.

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

He explained that his acceptance of the role was based on what he believed was a clear spiritual message guiding him into public service.

“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,” he said.

Amupitan said that conviction has remained his anchor while leading the commission, especially in the face of the complexities surrounding election management in Nigeria.

According to him, faith has helped him navigate challenges, insisting that no difficulty is beyond divine 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.

He also urged Nigerians to pray for the commission and for the success of the 2027 general elections, expressing optimism that the polls could be a turning point for the country’s democratic process.

“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.”

Amupitan warned against accepting public responsibility without what he described as divine direction, stressing that purpose was critical in leadership.

“My experience so far as the INEC chairman is that if God does not send you somewhere, do not go there,” he said.

His comments come at a time when he is facing heightened scrutiny over social media controversies linked to allegations of past online posts allegedly sympathetic to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2023 elections.

Amupitan has denied any connection to the disputed social media account, maintaining that he has remained politically neutral throughout his career.

The commission has also dismissed the allegations, describing them as attempts to undermine its leadership ahead of critical electoral preparations.

Despite the growing political pressure, Amupitan maintained that his focus remains on strengthening the electoral process and delivering what he described as the most credible election in Nigeria’s history in 2027.