The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially commenced the recruitment drive for temporary Ad-hoc Staff needed for the smooth conduct of the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council Election. This move is a critical part of the commission's preparatory activities for the upcoming polls.
Available Positions and Eligibility Criteria
INEC has listed several key temporary positions that are vital for election day operations. The available roles include Supervisory Presiding Officers (SPOs), Presiding Officers (POs), Assistant Presiding Officers (APOs), Registration Area Centre (RAC) Managers, and Registration Area Technical Support Staff (RATECHSS). Each of these positions plays a distinct part in ensuring the electoral process runs efficiently and without hitches.
The commission has placed a strict eligibility condition for all applicants. Only Nigerian citizens who are residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are qualified to apply. This residency requirement is intended to leverage local knowledge and ensure logistical ease for the assigned electoral duties.
Application Timeline and Procedure
Prospective applicants must take note of the strict application window. The online portal opened on Monday, December 29, 2025, at 8:00 AM and is scheduled to close on Saturday, January 19, 2026, at exactly 12:00 midnight. INEC has advised all interested and eligible individuals to submit their applications within this period, as late entries will not be considered.
The application process is fully digital. Interested persons can submit their details through one of two official channels:
- The primary INEC portal at http://pres.inecnigeria.org
- The dedicated Android mobile application available at http://pressmobile.inecnigeria.org
The commission has streamlined this online process to enhance accessibility and ensure a transparent recruitment exercise.
INEC's Commitment to Electoral Integrity
In its announcement, INEC reiterated its unwavering dedication to conducting a credible and transparent election. The recruitment of competent and non-partisan ad-hoc staff is a cornerstone of this commitment. By sourcing personnel from within the FCT, INEC aims to foster community trust and ensure that officials are familiar with the local terrain.
This recruitment drive for the #FCTDecides2026 election follows the recent appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of INEC, approved by the National Council of State. The commission continues to work under its constitutional mandate to organize, oversee, and supervise all elections in Nigeria, including voter registration and the regulation of political parties.
With the portal now active, eligible residents of Abuja and the wider FCT are encouraged to seize this opportunity to contribute to Nigeria's democratic process. Successful applicants will be part of the team responsible for upholding the integrity of the Area Council elections in the nation's capital.
