Asked to Babysit, Not Bite: A Snapshot of Nigeria’s Opposition Under Pressure| Deji Ola
In political storytelling, simple metaphors often carry profound meaning. An elderly woman was asked to babysit, and she declined, saying she had no teeth. The response came swiftly, was she asked to bite the baby? The lesson is timeless: responsibility is not about aggression, but about presence, vigilance, and purpose.
This metaphor speaks directly to the state of opposition politics in Nigeria today.
Across the country, opposition parties are navigating an increasingly difficult terrain. The challenge is no longer just about winning elections or presenting alternative policies; it is about survival within a political environment where the balance of power heavily tilts toward the center. The influence of the federal government through institutions, political alignments, and shifting loyalties has created a climate where opposition voices are often weakened, fragmented, or pressured into silence.
At the heart of this dynamic is the dominance of the ruling party, whose expansive control of political structures continues to downsize the national landscape. While political competition remains a cornerstone of democracy, the growing perception is that the space for opposition engagement is narrowing, not expanding.
In such a climate, opposition parties face a dual burden. On one hand, they must resist external pressures that threaten their cohesion and independence. On the other, they must also confront internal weaknesses ranging from leadership disputes to inconsistent messaging that further diminish their effectiveness. The result is a political opposition that, in many instances, appears reactive rather than strategic.
Yet, within this broader national picture, there are notable exceptions that demonstrate resilience and clarity of purpose.
One such example is Governor Seyi Makinde, the Executive Governor of Oyo State. In an era where many political actors have chosen the path of convenience or quiet alignment, he has maintained a posture of principled independence. His approach reflects a deeper understanding of democratic responsibility not as a contest of noise, but as a commitment to governance, accountability, and the protection of political space.
Governor Makinde’s stance is not defined by unnecessary confrontation, but by consistency and courage. By focusing on governance outcomes in Oyo State while also standing firm within the opposition framework, he represents a model of leadership that balances pragmatism with principle. In doing so, he sends a clear message: opposition is not weakness, and alignment is not the only path to relevance.
The real danger for Nigeria’s democracy is not the existence of a strong ruling party, it is the erosion of a credible, functional opposition. Democracy thrives on balance. When opposition voices are diminished, whether by systemic pressure or internal disarray, the entire system risks tilting toward unchecked dominance.
This is why the metaphor of “babysitting, not biting” matters. Opposition parties were not created to destabilize the system, but to safeguard it. Their role is to nurture democratic values, hold power accountable, and offer citizens meaningful alternatives. When they are constrained, distracted, or divided, that responsibility is left unfulfilled.
Nigeria stands at a critical juncture. The strength of its democracy will not be measured solely by the power of those at the center, but by the resilience of those who stand outside it. The question is no longer whether opposition parties can “bite,” but whether they are being given the space and have the will to truly “babysit” the democratic process.
In this moment, voices like Governor Makinde’s remind the nation that principled leadership within the opposition is still possible. And perhaps more importantly, that it is necessary.
Deji Ola is a proud product of good governance and writes from the ancient city of Ibadan