With preparations for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections gradually moving into a more active phase, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has opened its recruitment portal for Nigerians seeking to serve as ad hoc election staff.
The recruitment exercise covers several temporary election positions, including Supervisory Presiding Officers (SPOs), Presiding Officers (POs), Assistant Presiding Officers (APOs), Registration Area Centre (RAC) Managers and Registration Area Technical Support (RATECH) personnel.
The INEC Portal for Recruitment of Election Staff (INECPRES) opened at 8am on Friday, September 18, 2026, and will remain available until midnight on Wednesday, November 18, 2026.
The exercise is part of INEC’s preparations for the 2027 elections, with ad hoc personnel expected to play key roles in the administration of the polls.
Who can apply?
The recruitment is not limited to one category of Nigerians.
According to INEC’s recruitment notice, eligibility depends on the position being sought, as well as the applicant’s employment status, educational background and other specified conditions.
Potential applicants include:
- Serving NYSC members
- Eligible former NYSC members
- Students of federal and state tertiary institutions
- Eligible federal and state government employees
- Permanent staff of Ministries, Departments and Agencies
- Qualified INEC personnel
- Eligible ICT personnel
- Heads of schools and other personnel connected with institutions designated as Registration Area Centres
Applicants are advised to check the specific requirements for their preferred position before beginning the registration process.
What positions is INEC recruiting for?
INEC is recruiting personnel for different stages of election-day operations.
Supervisory Presiding Officers
The SPO category includes eligible personnel from the federal public and civil service as well as Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
The recruitment notice includes public-sector employees within specified salary grades, while serving NYSC members and certain former corps members may also qualify under the stated conditions.
Presiding Officers and Assistant Presiding Officers
Eligible students of federal and state tertiary institutions form part of the pool for PO and APO positions.
Certain government employees with the required educational qualifications may also apply, subject to the salary-grade and other conditions attached to each category.
Registration Area Centre Managers
The RAC Manager position is connected to institutions being used as Registration Area Centres or Super RACs.
Heads of schools and eligible staff of institutions hosting the centres may qualify, provided they meet the requirements set by INEC.
Registration Area Technical Support
For applicants with ICT backgrounds, the RATECH category provides an opportunity to participate in the technical side of election operations.
The category includes eligible INEC ICT personnel and IT students of federal and state tertiary institutions, among others who meet the specified requirements.
What documents and information do you need?
Applicants should have their relevant information and documents ready before starting the online registration.
These include:
- A functional email address
- An active telephone number
- A personal bank account
- A recent passport photograph
- Valid staff or student identification, where applicable
- Relevant NYSC call-up information for eligible corps members
- Educational and qualification documents
- A valid means of identification
Applicants should ensure that their personal, educational and employment information is entered correctly because the details submitted form part of the recruitment process.
How to apply for INEC ad hoc staff recruitment
The application process is online through the INECPRES portal.
Step 1: Visit the INECPRES portal
Go to the INECPRES web portal or access the recruitment platform through the official INEC website.
Step 2: Check the requirements
Before registering, read the instructions and eligibility conditions attached to the available positions.
This is important because the requirements are not the same for every category.
Step 3: Select your position
Choose the position for which you meet the specified eligibility requirements.
Step 4: Complete the registration
Fill in the requested personal details and other information on the application form.
Step 5: Provide your educational and employment details
Enter your educational background, employment information and other relevant details as requested.
Step 6: Submit supporting information
Provide the required identification, qualification details, photograph and other supporting information applicable to your selected position.
Step 7: Review your details
Before submitting the application, carefully check all the information supplied.
Applicants should pay particular attention to names, contact details, educational information and other personal data to avoid errors.
Step 8: Submit the application
After confirming that the information is accurate and complete, submit the application through the portal.
Step 9: Keep your registration details
Applicants should retain their registration or application details for future reference.
When does the INEC recruitment close?
The INECPRES portal opened at 8am on September 18, 2026.
The deadline for applications is midnight on November 18, 2026.
Applicants are advised not to wait until the final hours of the exercise before completing their registration.
What happens after application?
Submitting an application does not automatically mean an applicant has been selected.
INEC will apply the eligibility requirements for the different categories as part of the recruitment process. Applicants should therefore ensure that they meet the conditions for their chosen position and keep their registration information available for subsequent communication.
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The commission has also provided a helpdesk for enquiries relating to the recruitment platform, according to the recruitment notice.
The bigger picture
The recruitment exercise comes as INEC intensifies preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The commission has previously indicated that a large number of ad hoc personnel will be required for the polls, making the recruitment and training of temporary election workers an important part of its preparations.
For prospective applicants, however, the immediate task is simpler: check the eligibility requirements, prepare the necessary documents and complete the INECPRES registration before the November 18 deadline.