The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the recruitment of ad hoc staff for the 2026 Osun State governorship election, inviting qualified Nigerians to apply for various election duties ahead of the poll scheduled for August 15.
The electoral umpire announced the exercise in a notice issued on Monday, stating that applications are open for Supervisory Presiding Officers (SPOs), Presiding Officers (POs), Assistant Presiding Officers (APOs), Registration Area Technical Support Staff (RATECHs) and Registration Area Centre Managers (RAC Managers).
According to the commission, the recruitment exercise is part of preparations for the governorship election, which is expected to attract thousands of election officials across the state’s 30 local government areas.
INEC said interested and qualified applicants are required to submit their applications through the INECPRES online portal, which has been designated as the official platform for the recruitment of ad hoc staff.
“The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) invites applications from suitable, qualified and interested candidates for engagement as Ad-hoc Staff for the conduct of the 2026 Osun State Governorship Election,” the commission stated.
The electoral body disclosed that the online application portal opened on June 27 and will automatically close at midnight on July 18. It advised interested applicants to complete their registration before the deadline, warning that late applications would not be accepted.
INEC also outlined the qualifications required for each category of election officials.
For the position of Supervisory Presiding Officer, the commission said eligible applicants include officers on Grade Levels 12 to 14 in the Federal Public Service and Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
It explained that priority would be given to qualified personnel from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), the National Orientation Agency (NOA), the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the National Population Commission (NPC). Eligible INEC staff on Grade Levels 8 to 14 who are not assigned other election responsibilities may also be considered.
For the positions of Presiding Officer and Assistant Presiding Officer, the commission said serving members of the National Youth Service Corps, former corps members who completed their service between 2024 and 2026, penultimate-year students of federal tertiary institutions and permanent staff of federal MDAs on Grade Levels 7 to 10 with National Diploma (ND) or Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) qualifications are eligible to apply.
INEC added that Registration Area Centre Managers would be selected from heads of schools or staff members of educational institutions designated as Registration Area Centres during the election.
The commission also stated that Registration Area Technical Support Staff would be drawn from qualified Information and Communication Technology (ICT) personnel within INEC who are not assigned to other election duties.
As part of efforts to ensure the neutrality and credibility of the electoral process, the commission warned prospective applicants against engaging in partisan political activities.
It stressed that anyone seeking appointment as an ad hoc official must not belong to any political party or openly support any political candidate.
According to the notice, “Applicants must not be a member of any Political Party.”
It further stated, “Applicants must not have demonstrated or expressed support for any candidate or party.”
The commission said these conditions are necessary to preserve public confidence in the integrity, fairness and transparency of the election.
INEC also reminded applicants of the deadline for the exercise.
“The portal (INECPRES) opened on Saturday, June 27, 2026 and will shut down automatically on Saturday, July 18, 2026 by 12 midnight,” the commission said.
The electoral body urged all interested applicants to complete their registration early to avoid technical difficulties that may arise as the deadline approaches.
The Osun State governorship election is scheduled to hold on August 15, 2026, when eligible voters across the state will elect a governor for another four-year term.
Preparations for the election have already begun, with political parties expected to intensify campaigns in the coming weeks as the race gathers momentum.
Ad hoc staff play a vital role during elections in Nigeria. They are responsible for managing polling units, accrediting voters using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), conducting voting, counting ballots and transmitting election results in accordance with INEC guidelines.
Their performance is considered critical to the success and credibility of any election, making the recruitment and training process an important aspect of the commission’s preparations.
In recent election cycles, INEC has increasingly relied on digital technology to improve the recruitment process, making it easier for applicants to register online while reducing paperwork and enhancing transparency.
The commission has also introduced stricter eligibility requirements and screening procedures to ensure that only qualified and impartial individuals participate in election management.
The Osun governorship poll is expected to attract national attention, with political parties already positioning themselves for what is likely to be a keenly contested election.
As preparations continue, INEC has assured stakeholders of its commitment to conducting a free, fair and credible election, while encouraging qualified Nigerians to take advantage of the recruitment opportunity and contribute to the successful conduct of the poll.