1.4m election jobs available: Here is how to apply for INEC’s 2027 ad hoc staff recruitment

The Independent National Electoral Commission has opened its online recruitment portal for ad hoc staff ahead of the 2027 general elections, seeking approximately 1.4 million temporary workers to be deployed across more than 176,000 polling units nationwide, according to a public notice issued by the commission on Thursday and reported by PUNCH.

Here is everything you need to know:

WHAT IS THE INECPRES PORTAL?

The INEC Portal for Recruitment of Election Staff — known as INECPRES — is the official platform through which interested applicants can apply for temporary election duty roles. It opened at 8am on Friday, September 18, 2026, and will close at midnight on Wednesday, November 18, 2026.

Applicants can access the portal at pres.inecnigeria.org or through INEC’s official website.

WHY IS INEC RECRUITING NOW?

The recruited personnel will work during two election cycles:

• Presidential and National Assembly Elections — January 16, 2027
• Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections — February 6, 2027

Ad hoc staff are temporary election workers recruited, trained and deployed for specific elections, then released after the exercise concludes.

AVAILABLE POSITIONS

INEC is recruiting into five categories:

• Supervisory Presiding Officers (SPOs) — Federal public/civil servants at Grade Level 10-14, serving NYSC members, and qualifying former corps members from 2024, 2025 and 2026 service years.
• Presiding Officers (POs) — Eligible tertiary institution students and certain government employees at GL 07-14 with the applicable qualifications.
• Assistant Presiding Officers (APOs) — Students of Federal and State tertiary institutions and permanent MDA staff with OND or NCE qualifications at GL 07-10.
• Registration Area Centre Managers (RAC Managers) — Heads of schools or staff of institutions hosting Registration Area Centres, at Grade Level 07 and above.
• Registration Area Technical Support Personnel (RATECHs) — ICT-skilled applicants including INEC IT staff, IT students of Federal and State tertiary institutions, and qualifying former corps members.

WHO CAN APPLY?

Eligible applicants include:

• Serving NYSC members
• Former NYSC members meeting specified conditions
• 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
• Personnel connected with institutions hosting Registration Area Centres

Applicants must confirm their specific eligibility for their preferred position before applying.

HOW TO APPLY — STEP BY STEP

1. Visit pres.inecnigeria.org or access INECPRES through INEC’s official website.
2. Read the instructions and eligibility requirements carefully.
3. Select the position for which you are eligible.
4. Complete the required registration details.
5. Enter personal, educational and employment information accurately.
6. Provide all required supporting information.
7. Review all supplied information before submitting.
8. Submit your application.
9. Save your registration and application details for future reference.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

• Portal opens: 8am, Friday, September 18, 2026
• Portal closes: Midnight, Wednesday, November 18, 2026

INEC has advised applicants to complete their submissions well before the deadline rather than waiting until the final day.

NEED HELP?

INEC’s IT Service Management operates a 24-hour helpdesk for INECPRES enquiries:

• Phone: 0700-CALL-INEC
• Email: [email protected]