The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, on Wednesday in Abuja urged Nigerians to pray for the country and the 2027 general election, saying he cannot handle the task alone without God’s help.
He spoke at a Nigerian Baptist Convention service honouring outgoing president Israel Akanji and his wife, Victoria.
Amupitan said he accepted the role as INEC chairman because he believed God called him to do it.
He explained that he had a strong conviction before taking the job.
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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.’ He said, ‘I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you.’ I heard this clearly before I accepted this job.”
He maintained that his experience in office has shown him that no one should take up any task without God’s direction.
He said, “My experience so far as the INEC chairman is that if God does not send you somewhere, do not go there, including the ministry; if God does not send you, do not do it.”
Speaking on the challenges of the job, Amupitan said he cannot succeed on his own. He stressed that only with God’s help can he deliver a credible election.
He said, “I cannot do it on my own, but with God on my side, it is possible.”
He also expressed hope that the 2027 general election will be successful. He called on Nigerians to support the electoral body through prayers.
He urged, “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.”
Amupitan further noted that God has helped him overcome challenges in office.
He said, “No matter the storm, no matter the difficulty, God is able to calm every storm. That is what God has been doing.”
Amupitan’s remarks come as preparations for the 2027 general election gradually begin all over the country.
