INEC Opens Portal for Ad-Hoc Staff Recruitment Ahead of Anambra 2025 Governorship Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially declared new job openings for Nigerians willing to serve as ad-hoc staff during the forthcoming Anambra State 2025 governorship election. The announcement has sparked wide interest, as these temporary roles remain a crucial part of the nation’s electoral process.

According to the commission, available positions include Supervisory Presiding Officers (SPOs), Presiding Officers (POs), Assistant Presiding Officers (APOs), Registration Area Technicians (RATECHs), and Registration Area Centre (RAC) Managers. INEC explained that the ad-hoc staff members will play vital roles in managing polling stations, overseeing election logistics, handling voter accreditation, and ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.

The electoral umpire emphasized that this recruitment drive is part of its commitment to delivering a transparent and credible election in Anambra, one of Nigeria’s politically significant states.

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INEC Job Requirements for Ad-Hoc Staff

The commission highlighted detailed eligibility criteria for each role. SPOs must be permanent staff of the Federal Public or Civil Service, within Grade Levels 10 to 14. This requirement ensures that individuals in supervisory positions possess the needed experience and professional discipline to oversee critical aspects of the election.

For Presiding Officers (POs) and Assistant Presiding Officers (APOs), eligibility is extended to a wider pool. Applicants can be serving members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), recent corps alumni who completed service within the last four years, INEC staff, or penultimate students of recognized federal tertiary institutions. This category opens the door for young graduates and students to actively participate in strengthening Nigeria’s democratic process.

The position of RAC Managers is reserved for heads of institutions hosting Registration Area Centres (RACs) or civil servants on Grade Levels 07 and above. These managers will play a pivotal role in ensuring election materials are properly distributed and secured before polling begins.

On the technical side, RATECHs will strictly be drawn from qualified INEC ICT staff, reflecting the importance of technology in the upcoming election. With the increased deployment of electronic accreditation and result transmission, these specialists are expected to troubleshoot and manage technical issues that may arise on election day.

INEC reiterated that all applicants must not be affiliated with any political party or have expressed partisan support. In addition, candidates must reside within Anambra State, except for RATECHs who are directly employed by INEC.

INECPRES Online Registration Portal

To streamline the recruitment process, INEC has opened its online registration portal – INECPRES. The portal will remain active for a three-week period, from Monday, September 15, 2025, to Sunday, October 5, 2025. Applicants are encouraged to complete their applications promptly to avoid last-minute challenges.

Interested candidates can apply via:

• Web portal: pres.inecnigeria.org
• Mobile-friendly link: presmobile.inecnigeria.org

To assist applicants who may encounter difficulties, INEC has set up a help desk with designated contact persons: Adeaze (09127675926), Bolaji (08059653879), and Rukayat (08039301522).

The commission assured Nigerians that the process will be transparent and merit-driven, with priority given to competence and neutrality.

Strengthening Democracy Through Electoral Recruitment

INEC stressed that the recruitment of competent ad-hoc staff is central to ensuring that the Anambra governorship election is credible, free, and fair. According to the statement, ad-hoc staff members serve as the backbone of election day activities, handling sensitive materials, managing voter queues, accrediting citizens, and transmitting results.

By setting strict eligibility criteria and mandating political neutrality, INEC aims to safeguard the integrity of the 2025 elections. The commission noted that it is determined to make every vote count while consolidating Nigeria’s democratic journey.

Anambra State, being politically strategic, has often drawn national attention during its elections. With this announcement, stakeholders believe that INEC is making early preparations to avoid logistical lapses that have marred some past polls.

Observers have also praised the commission for incorporating a user-friendly application process through mobile access, ensuring that young Nigerians, who constitute a large portion of ad-hoc staff, can easily apply.

The opening of INEC’s ad-hoc staff recruitment portal marks a significant milestone in the preparations for the 2025 Anambra governorship election. With clear eligibility requirements and a transparent application process, the commission is reinforcing its resolve to conduct a credible poll.

For thousands of Nigerians, this exercise not only provides temporary employment but also offers an opportunity to contribute directly to the growth of democracy in the country. As the deadline approaches, eligible applicants are urged to seize this opportunity and register via the official INECPRES platform.

Ultimately, the successful deployment of ad-hoc staff will be a decisive factor in ensuring that Anambra voters exercise their franchise without hindrance, and that the election outcome reflects the true will of the people.