OSOGBO, Osun State — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the recruitment of ad hoc staff for the upcoming Osun State governorship election, scheduled for August 15, 2026, inviting interested and qualified applicants to apply through the INECPRES portal before the July 18 deadline.
The commission announced the recruitment drive in a statement released on Monday, calling on eligible Nigerians to register as ad hoc personnel for various roles, including Presiding Officers, Assistant Presiding Officers, and Registration Area Technicians, among others. The recruitment is part of INEC’s preparations to ensure a smooth and credible electoral process in the state.
According to the commission, applicants must meet specific requirements, including being a Nigerian citizen, possessing a valid means of identification, and not being a member of any political party. Prospective applicants are also required to have access to a functional email address and phone number for communication purposes.
INEC urged interested candidates to apply through the official INECPRES portal and to ensure that all information provided is accurate and complete before submission. The commission warned that false information would lead to automatic disqualification.
The governorship election is expected to be keenly contested, with the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) among the leading contenders. The election is seen as a test of the political mood in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The ad hoc staff recruitment is a critical component of INEC’s electoral logistics, as the personnel play a key role in the accreditation of voters, management of polling units, and collation of results. The commission has assured that successful applicants will undergo training to equip them with the necessary skills for the assignment.
The recruitment drive comes amid heightened political activities in Osun State, with campaigns and political rallies intensifying across the state. Security agencies have also stepped up their presence to ensure a peaceful and orderly electoral process.
For now, the commission has urged all eligible Nigerians to seize the opportunity to contribute to the democratic process by applying for the ad hoc positions before the July 18 deadline. The success of the Osun election will largely depend on the commitment and professionalism of the ad hoc staff, INEC said.
