He was preceded by his father, Gidago dan Laima (1817–1842) and succeeded by Ibrahim Khalilu (1859-c. 1874).
He was a close confidant of Sultan Ali and son of Nana Asma'u[2] His reign as vizier was effective but it had some limitations.
Abdulkadir was involved in removing Umar Nagwamatse as ruler of Katuru, Umar's reputation was that of a high living, independent and successful prince but was proved to be unsuitable as a ruler.
Umar later moved southwards and founded a Fulani emirate in Kontagora.
When Bukhari, the Emir of Hadejia obtained power by force, Abdulkadir was charged to deal with the situation.