2027: ‘Don’t be used as political thugs,’ Gospel artist warns youths

Nigerian-American gospel artist and Convener of 1-150 songs of Psalms, Evangelist John Kola-Idowu, on Friday charged the youth to embrace positive values to promote peace and tranquillity ahead of the country’s 2027 general elections.

He advised young Nigerians against allowing themselves to be used as instruments of political violence, hatred or division during the 2027 polls, saying their future leadership role should not be jettisoned for pecuniary gains from desperate politicians.

In a statement issued in Osogbo, Osun State capital, Kola-Idowu said: “At a time when our world faces conflicts, insecurity, social division and economic challenges, we need initiatives that encourage love, understanding, hope and peaceful coexistence.”

The cleric, who was quoted as having made this disclosure at the launch of the Psalms 1–150 Global Concert, Global Choir and Global Indigenous Worship Project in Osogbo, Osun State capital,  described spiritual songs as a potential panacea for insecurity, social division, hopelessness and moral decline.

He said the spirit of the Songs of Psalms can inspire young people to choose hope over despair, unity over division and positive engagement over destructive behaviour.

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“We are calling on governments at all levels and world leaders to recognise the importance of peace-building, youth empowerment, cultural inclusion and moral development in addressing insecurity. 

“The fight against insecurity should go beyond security operations to address the social and moral conditions that contribute to violence, including hopelessness, intolerance and hatred”, Kola-Idowu stated, adding that”the messages of the Psalms can serve as spiritual encouragement and moral inspiration, promoting the values of peace, justice, righteousness and love.

“We must pray that the 2027 general election will not divide us, but rather strengthen our commitment to unity, justice and peaceful coexistence,” he said, while also urging religious leaders to preach peace and discourage their followers from engaging in electoral violence.

Evangelist Kola-Idowu, however, stressed that the Psalms 1–150 Global Concert, Global Choir and Global Indigenous Worship Project is more than a musical initiative but a movement to preserve languages, empower young people, promote peace, celebrate diversity and unite people across nations through worship.

Kola-Idowu hinted that the Global Concert will bring together established and emerging gospel singers, worship leaders and choirs from Africa, Europe, Asia, the Americas and other parts of the world, beginning with online participation before expanding to physical concerts in different countries. 

Through the involvement of celebrated ministers such as Evangelist Bola Are, Yinka  Alaseyori, Woli Agba and Mike Abdul, alongside numerous gospel singers, the project seeks to inspire a new generation of worshippers