The Independent National Electoral Commission has cautioned Nigerians against a fraudulent website circulating online and falsely advertised as a 2026 ad-hoc staff recruitment portal.

In a notice shared on its official X handle on Saturday, the Commission disowned the platform, describing it as fake, misleading and unauthorised.

“The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) wishes to inform the general public that the website currently circulating as ‘INEC Ad-hoc Staff Recruitment 2026’ is fake, misleading, and not authorised by the Commission,” the statement read.

INEC stressed that it neither approved nor originated the recruitment link being widely shared, warning Nigerians to avoid engaging with it.

“The Commission did not approve or originate the following link: https://tinyurl.com/INEC-Ad-hoc-Staff-Recruitment,” it added.

The electoral body further advised members of the public not to submit personal or sensitive information on the platform, noting that doing so could expose them to fraud and identity theft.

Reiterating its standard communication procedure, INEC explained that any genuine recruitment exercise would only be announced through its verified website and official communication channels.

“All official recruitment information will be communicated exclusively through INEC’s verified website and official communication channels,” the Commission stated.

It urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and to disregard the fake link in circulation.

“Please disregard the fraudulent link and remain vigilant,” INEC warned.

For further clarification, the Commission advised the public to contact it through the following phone numbers: 09050858629, 09050858675 and 09050858649.

The warning comes amid increased online activity ahead of future electoral preparations, as authorities continue to raise concerns over phishing schemes and impersonation attempts targeting job seekers and prospective ad-hoc staff.

INEC also reminded Nigerians that it does not conduct recruitment through unofficial links, stressing that all ad-hoc staff recruitment is carried out solely via its official platform, INECPRES.