The Lagos State House of Assembly’s sole opposition member has broken her silence over the ridicule she faces from colleagues following her decision to align with a smaller party rather than yield to the political dominance of the ruling establishment.
Osafile Stella, who recently crossed from the Labour Party to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), told journalists on Monday that she has been a target of persistent mockery for refusing to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), which commands overwhelming control of the 40-seat chamber.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Assembly’s plenary session, the lawmaker said the derision has become a fixture of her political experience, one she has chosen to absorb rather than surrender to.
“In politics, you must develop a thick skin. Without that, it is difficult to move forward,” she stated with visible composure.
When pressed on whether her new party had offered guarantees of a return ticket ahead of future elections, Osafile was measured in her response, framing her political allegiance not as a matter of personal ambition but as a reflection of the wishes of those she represents.
“My people encouraged me to take this step. It was the constituents I represent who asked me to move to the ADC,” she said, adding that the party already possesses the organisational framework necessary to support her continued legislative work.
She dismissed any notion that the ADC is a fledgling or unstable platform, insisting its structures are well entrenched and operational.
On the intersection of religion and public service, Osafile offered a nuanced perspective, affirming that Nigeria’s constitutional framework is secular while acknowledging that personal values inevitably shape a politician’s conduct.
“Your personality will always reflect in how you play politics. After God’s authority comes government you cannot distance yourself from it,” she remarked.
Despite holding the Assembly’s only opposition seat,a position that might ordinarily invite institutional marginalisation, Osafile said her experience within the chamber has been one of professional fairness.
She currently chairs the House Committee on Wealth Creation and Employment, a responsibility she said was assigned on merit.
She offered measured praise for House Speaker Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, whom she credited with maintaining constitutional impartiality regardless of party affiliation.
“I believe the Speaker understands his role and assigns responsibilities appropriately. I have not experienced any form of discrimination,” she said.
“Beyond party politics, he is committed to governance. He has given me the space to function and has consistently set aside party differences to uphold the Constitution,” she added.
