INEC Announces New Job Vacancies Across Nigeria

An INEC official (left) at a press briefing and the commission’s logo (right). INEC has opened a nationwide recruitment portal for ad-hoc staff positions ahead of an upcoming election.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced fresh job vacancies and opened an online portal for applications, inviting Nigerians nationwide to serve as ad-hoc staff for an upcoming election. The recruitment drive is primarily to staff the Anambra State 2025 governorship election, but it is drawing applicants from across several states. INEC’s nationwide call underscores the importance of broad participation, as those hired will play crucial temporary roles in ensuring a credible electoral process. The application window is time-bound, and interested candidates must submit their details through the official portal before the deadline.

Available Positions and Roles

INEC is looking to fill multiple categories of ad-hoc positions needed for election duties. The roles announced include:

• Supervisory Presiding Officers (SPOs): Senior field supervisors who oversee polling procedures.
• Presiding Officers (POs): Officials who manage polling units and ensure votes are cast and recorded properly.
• Assistant Presiding Officers (APOs): Support staff assisting Presiding Officers in managing polling station activities.
• Registration Area Centre (RAC) Managers: Coordinators in charge of the facilities (RACs) where election materials and personnel are deployed.
• Registration Area Technicians (RATECHs): Technical staff responsible for handling election tech devices (such as smart card readers or other ICT equipment) during the polls.

These positions are temporary and tied to the conduct of the election. INEC has specified that applications for all the above roles will be accepted until 5th October 2025 via the dedicated portal.

Who Is Eligible to Apply

INEC has outlined clear eligibility criteria for each category of these roles, aiming to recruit qualified and non-partisan individuals. According to the commission’s guidelines, applicants must reside in Anambra, Delta, Enugu, or Imo state – the key states involved in the upcoming election. Additionally, candidates must remain politically neutral (not members of any political party and having no record of campaigning for any candidate). Specific eligibility by position is as follows:

• SPOs (Supervisory Presiding Officers): Open to seasoned public servants – applicants must be permanent staff of the federal or state Civil Service/MDAs on Grade Levels 10–14, or existing INEC staff (such as Registration Area Officers) not engaged in other duties (up to GL 14).
• POs/APOs (Presiding and Assistant Presiding Officers): Open to youth and mid-level officials – applicants can be current NYSC corps members, recent NYSC alumni (service completed in the last four years, i.e. 2022–2025), INEC staff on GL 07–08, federal or state MDA staff (with an OND or on GL 07–10), or penultimate-year students of federal tertiary institutions.
• RAC Managers: Open to educational institution heads or senior staff – applicants should be the head or a suitable senior staff member (on GL 07 or above) of the school or institution hosting a RAC (Registration Area Centre).
• RATECHs (Registration Area Technicians): Open exclusively to INEC’s ICT staff – applicants must be existing INEC information and communication technology staff (at state or HQ level) who are not already assigned other election duties.

In addition to these role-specific criteria, all applicants are reminded that neutrality is mandatory. They must not be members of any political party or have demonstrated support for any candidate or party in the election. Each applicant should also apply only for the state of their residence (except INEC staff applying as RATECHs, who may be deployed from outside). These measures are in place to ensure that the ad-hoc staff conduct their duties impartially and effectively.

Application Timeline and Key Dates

INEC’s recruitment exercise is time-sensitive. The online application portal opened on Monday, 15th September 2025 and will remain accessible for just three weeks, closing on Sunday, 5th October 2025. Prospective applicants should note this October 5 deadline and plan to complete their registration well before the portal closes. No submissions will be accepted after the closing date.

This timeline aligns with preparations for the Anambra governorship election scheduled for 8th November 2025, ensuring that all selected ad-hoc personnel can be trained and deployed in time for the polls. Candidates are therefore urged to apply as soon as possible and not wait until the last minute, in order to avoid any technical issues or last-minute rush before the portal deadline.

How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)

INEC has provided a clear procedure for submitting applications through its official channels. Interested candidates should follow these steps to apply:

• Access the INECPRES Portal: Navigate to the INEC Portal for Recruitment of Election Staff (INECPRES). For web browsers (or iOS devices), visit pres.inecnigeria.org. For Android mobile users, use the mobile portal by typing presmobile.inecnigeria.org into your browser. These are the only authorized links; applications will not be accepted through any other website or physical submission.

• Complete the Online Form: On the portal, you will need to fill out the registration form with accurate personal information and credentials. Provide details such as your full name, contact information, state of residence, and educational or professional background. You will also select the position you are applying for (SPO, PO/APO, RAC Manager, or RATECH) and indicate the qualifying category you fall under (e.g. NYSC member, civil servant, etc.). Ensure that all information entered matches the eligibility requirements for your chosen role.

• Review and Submit Your Application: Before submission, double-check your entries for accuracy. Once satisfied, submit the application through the portal. You should receive a confirmation upon successful submission. Be mindful of the deadline (October 5, 2025) – make sure to submit well before this date. Late submissions will not be entertained.

• Seek Assistance if Needed: If you encounter any difficulties during the application process (for example, issues with the portal or uncertainty about the form), INEC has set up a help desk to assist applicants. You can reach out via phone to Adeaze (09127675926), Bolaji (08059653879), or Rukayat (08039301522), which are official support lines. There is also a vanity hotline 0700-CALL-INEC and an email contact at pres@inec.gov.ng for inquiries. Do not hesitate to use these channels for guidance – they are provided to ensure your application is completed correctly.

INEC emphasizes that the entire application process is online and free of charge. Applicants are warned not to patronize any individuals or websites offering to assist with the recruitment for a fee, as those could be fraudulent. All interested Nigerians who meet the criteria are encouraged to apply through the official portal and await further instructions or shortlisting information from INEC via official channels. By following the above steps, candidates can successfully submit their applications and take part in this nationwide opportunity to contribute to Nigeria’s electoral process.

Nationwide Impact of the Recruitment

This recruitment initiative is significant on a national scale. By opening these positions to eligible citizens in multiple states, INEC is bolstering public participation in election management. Successful applicants will join thousands of ad-hoc staff ensuring that the November 2025 Anambra governorship election is conducted smoothly and transparently. The experience gained in this exercise can also be a civic learning opportunity for young graduates, civil servants, and professionals who partake. Observers note that involving competent youth (like ex-corps members and students) and experienced officials in election duties can enhance the credibility of the process.

INEC has reaffirmed its commitment to fair and credible polls, stating that recruiting qualified, non-partisan ad-hoc personnel is central to “making your votes count by consolidating democracy”. The nationwide response to these job vacancies will be an indicator of public readiness to support the democratic process. Aspiring applicants are reminded to adhere strictly to the guidelines, ensure neutrality, and prepare to serve diligently if selected. With the application portal live and the deadline approaching, this development provides a noteworthy opportunity for citizens to contribute to Nigeria’s electoral integrity while gaining valuable experience in the field of election administration.