INEC opens 2027 election Ad Hoc staff recruitment (Step-by-step guide to apply)

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has opened its recruitment portal for Nigerians seeking to serve as ad hoc election staff during the 2027 general elections.

The recruitment exercise is being conducted through the INEC Portal for Engagement of Election Staff (INECPRES), which provides for applications to positions including Supervisory Presiding Officer, Presiding Officer, Assistant Presiding Officer, Registration Area Centre Manager and Registration Area Technical Support personnel.

According to a public notice issued by the Commission, the portal opened at 8:00am on Friday, September 18, 2026, and is scheduled to close at midnight on Wednesday, November 18, 2026.

The recruitment is open to eligible categories of public servants, NYSC members and former corps members, tertiary institution students, relevant MDA personnel, school officials and qualified personnel with IT backgrounds, depending on the position being sought.

INEC Ad Hoc Staff Positions

INEC’s official eligibility page sets out the requirements for each category.

Who Can Apply?

The eligibility depends on the position.

Supervisory Presiding Officer

Applicants must generally be public or civil servants on Grade Level 10–14, or eligible Registration Area Officers/INEC staff who are not engaged in other duties.

Registration Area Centre Manager

Applicants must be a head of a school or a staff member of the school, institution or public building hosting the Registration Area Centre, with the applicable grade-level requirement.

Presiding Officer/Assistant Presiding Officer

INEC lists the following categories among those eligible:

• Serving NYSC corps members;
• Penultimate students of federal or state tertiary institutions in Nigeria with knowledge of IT;
• Permanent staff of an MDA with an OND qualification or on GL 07–10;
• Eligible INEC permanent staff on GL 07–08; and
• Former corps members within the specified eligibility period.

Registration Area Technical Support

Applicants for RATECH positions must have an IT background.

Suitable INEC ICT personnel at the state or headquarters level who are not engaged in other duties may apply under the stated criteria.

Documents and Information Required

Applicants should have the following ready before beginning the registration process:

These requirements are listed on the official INECPRES application instructions page.

Important Application Instructions

Applicants are advised to enter their names as they appear on their BVN when completing the bank details section.

INEC also states that application details cannot be edited after submission, making it important for applicants to carefully review their information before submitting.

Applicants must also provide referee details and complete the required attestation.

After a successful submission, applicants are required to print their acknowledgement slip, which INEC says will be needed for final verification.

How to Apply for INEC Ad Hoc Staff Recruitment

1. Visit the official INEC/INECPRES recruitment portal.
2. Review the eligibility requirements for the available positions.
3. Select the position for which you qualify.
4. Register and create a password.
5. Complete the application form.
6. Enter your personal, contact and bank information accurately.
7. Upload your passport photograph.
8. Provide the details of your two referees.
9. Complete the required attestation.
10. Review all information carefully.
11. Submit the application.
12. Print and keep your acknowledgement slip.

INEC’s official application instructions confirm that submissions are final after they are made, so applicants should check their information thoroughly before clicking the submit button.

Important Things Applicants Should Know

Applicants can apply for only one election staff position through the portal.

INEC also states that deployment is based on an applicant’s selected state of residence, subject to the applicable recruitment conditions.

Applicants should also carefully check the eligibility requirements for their preferred position rather than assuming that eligibility for one category automatically qualifies them for another.

Deadline

The INECPRES recruitment window for the 2027 general elections is scheduled to close at:

Midnight, Wednesday, November 18, 2026.

Applicants are advised to complete their registration well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical or submission problems.