Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO Plc) (NGX: GTCO; LSE: GTCO), one of Africa’s leading financial services groups, is proud to announce its continued support as the main sponsor of the NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament, one of Africa’s oldest and most prestigious sporting events.

The 2026 edition will be held at the Lagos Polo Club, Ikoyi, from Tuesday, January 27 to Sunday, February 15, bringing together top local and international polo teams and spectators from across the continent and beyond.

The 2026 NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament will feature top‑tier teams competing for major prizes, including the Majekodunmi Cup, Independence Cup, Open Cup, Silver Cup, and Low Cup, among others. Guests can expect a fusion of thrilling equestrian action, a polo-inspired lifestyle showcase, and curated hospitality experiences. The event will also be livestreamed, allowing audiences online to share in the excitement and spectacle.

Commenting on GTCO’s role as main sponsor of the Lagos International Polo Tournament, Segun Agbaje, Group Chief Executive Officer, said: “This tournament, one of the oldest in Africa, celebrates not only the noble sport of polo but the values we hold dear as a brand: teamwork, discipline, fair play, and a commitment to excellence. Beyond the field, it showcases Nigeria and Africa to a global audience, reinforcing the continent’s place on the world stage. Our longstanding sponsorship of the NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament reflects our conviction that sport can amplify opportunity, foster connections, and deliver world-class experiences for all.”

The NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament has long been celebrated not only for its thrilling competition and equestrian excellence but also for its rich heritage and cultural resonance within Africa’s sporting tradition. GTCO’s sponsorship embodies the Group’s commitment to creating platforms that unite communities and drive social impact across diverse audiences.

The member representing Jos South and East Federal Constituency, “Alfred Illiya Ajang,” has defected from the Labour Party (LP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a letter read by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, “Tajudeen Abbas,” during plenary on Thursday, the now-defected member claimed that the crisis in the Labour Party was the reason for his defection.

The House was thrown into a rowdy session as some lawmakers raised eyebrows over the content of the letter.

Lending his voice, Minority Leader “Kingsley Chinda” says the letter is not in accordance with the constitution of the House and, as such, should be rejected.

He said that as a standing order, any member who wishes to defect must first inform his constituents and party members on the platform on which he was elected before any letter is read.

Chinda argued that since this criterion has not been met, the letter should not be admitted.

The speaker, however, overrode the observation.

Meanwhile, a former Minister of Labour and Employment and now-serving senator “Simon Lalong” was at the House of Representatives complex to witness the defection and give support to his colleague.

The House had earlier suspended its rules to admit Lalong, representing Plateau South senatorial district.

His defection from the LP to the ruling APC adds to the swelling number of federal lawmakers dumping one of Nigeria’s main opposition parties.

A few days back, another lawmaker, “Dalyop Chollom,” representing Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency, dumped the LP for the APC. He cited the crisis in the party as his reason.

Some weeks back, four members of the House of Representatives dumped the LP for the ruling party, citing squabbles in the Labour Party.

Following their defection, the LP threatened legal action and claimed their action was unconstitutional.

The Labour Party made inroads in national politics in the 2023 general election years after its formation. It got six Senate and 34 House of Representatives seats.