INEC Announces Ad-Hoc Staff Recruitment for 2026

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially opened its ad-hoc staff recruitment for the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council Election. For many Nigerians living in Abuja, this announcement is more than a routine notice — it is an opportunity to take part directly in the democratic process and contribute to the credibility of an important local election.

INEC confirmed that applications will be handled through its dedicated INECPRES platform, a system created to simplify recruitment and ensure transparency. Only residents of the FCT are eligible, as the commission wants personnel who understand the terrain, communities, and logistical realities of the area councils.

What this recruitment is really about

Ad-hoc staff are the backbone of election day operations. They are the people voters meet at polling units, registration area centres, and collation points. From setting up voting materials to guiding voters and transmitting results, their role directly affects how smooth, fair, and credible the election turns out.

INEC’s approach for the 2026 FCT Area Council Election shows careful planning. Each category of ad-hoc staff has clearly defined eligibility requirements, aimed at matching responsibilities with experience and capacity.

Positions open and who can apply

For Supervisory Presiding Officers (SPOs), INEC is drawing from experienced hands. Eligible applicants include permanent staff of the federal public service and MDAs on Grade Level 10 to 14. INEC’s own permanent staff, such as Registration Area Officers and others on GL 09 to 14 who are not already deployed for election duties, can also apply.

The roles of Presiding Officers (POs) and Assistant Presiding Officers (APOs I, II, and III) are open to a wider pool. Serving NYSC corps members qualify, as do former corps members who completed service between 2022 and 2025. INEC permanent staff on GL 07 and 08 are eligible, alongside permanent staff of federal or state MDAs with OND qualifications or those on GL 07 to 10. Penultimate students of federal tertiary institutions are also considered, reflecting INEC’s continued trust in educated young Nigerians.

For RAC Managers, INEC is relying on familiarity with host environments. These positions are to be filled by heads of schools or institutions hosting the RAC or Super RAC, or suitable staff of those institutions on Grade Level 07 and above.

The Registration Area Technical Support Staff (RATECHSS) role is strictly for suitable INEC ICT staff at state offices and headquarters who are not already engaged in other election responsibilities.

Important conditions applicants must note

INEC has restated its firm position on neutrality. Applicants must not be members of any political party and must not have publicly supported or shown loyalty to any candidate or party. This condition is non-negotiable and reflects the commission’s emphasis on impartiality.

Residency in the FCT is mandatory for all applicants, except RATECHSS, who are deployed internally as INEC staff.

Application timeline

The INECPRES portal opens Monday, 29 December 2025, at 8:00 AM and closes Saturday, 19 January 2026, by midnight. INEC has advised interested applicants to apply early to avoid last-minute technical issues.

How to apply

Applications are strictly online.
Web and iOS users should apply via pres.inecnigeria.org, while Android users are directed to presmobile.inecnigeria.org. Applicants are expected to provide accurate personal and institutional details, as verification is a key part of the selection process.

What people usually want to know

Many applicants ask whether previous experience is required. While experience can help, INEC focuses more on eligibility, neutrality, and availability. Another common question is whether ad-hoc staff are paid. INEC traditionally provides allowances for ad-hoc duties, although exact figures are usually communicated closer to election day.

An expert perspective

From years of observing election administration in Nigeria, one clear pattern stands out: elections run better when ad-hoc staff understand their roles and take neutrality seriously. INEC’s structured recruitment process, especially its emphasis on residence and institutional background, reduces logistical errors and strengthens public trust in the process.

One simple takeaway

If you live in the FCT and meet the requirements, apply early, provide honest information, and prepare to serve with integrity. Beyond the allowance, serving as an INEC ad-hoc staff member is a direct way to protect the value of every vote cast in your community.