Prof. Rufai Alkali, Special Adviser to the President on Political matters, says there are over 7,000 Goodluck Support Groups (GSGs) across the country.
Alkali made this known in Abuja on Monday while receiving report of 10-man Screening and Evaluation Committee set up to examine the structure and organisation of the GSGs.
He said the figure, given by the committee, was contrary to earlier belief that there were 3,000 support groups.
The presidential aide added that another 1,000 groups have demanded to be screened.
Alkali said the report of the committee would be analysed with a view to properly positioning the various support groups for the challenges of elections in 2015.
He further assured that the groups would be carried along because of their importance in ensuring the re-election of President Jonathan in 2015.
Alkali, however, appealed to the groups to begin the process of stepping down the structure and operations of their organisations to the zonal, state, local and ward levels.
“They should mobilise men, women and youths for the great task ahead,” he said.
He also told them to participate in the INEC voter revalidation ahead of the 2015 general elections.
He added that this was particularly necessary for members of the groups that had been screened by the committee.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the committee was set up three weeks ago to examine the structure and organisation of the GSGs.
It was also to look into the modus operandi of their directorates and suggest possible re-organisation.
Alkali assured the GSGs of the presidency’s full support.
Members of the screening and evaluation committee include Mr Olusola Oke, Prof. Nick Ezeh, Mr Williams Makinde and Prof. Mohammed Al-Amin.
Others are Sen. Nimi Amange, Dr Godson Nnaka (Secretary), Alhaji Lamido Chikaire and Prof. Tony Edoh, among others.
(NAN)