[2] In March 2000, Abdillah ran for mayor of Medan, supported by a coalition of parties led by Golkar.

[2] He was sworn in on 18 April 2000 in an "abrupt and secretive" ceremony,[2][3] due to the controversy surrounding accusations of bribery to councillors to vote for him.

[2][3] During his service as mayor, Abdillah was known for attracting investors to develop large shopping centers and luxury hotels, while also establishing lighting-based art projects.

[1][4] He was awarded the nobility title of Datuk by the local Malay community in January 2005 and secured reelection in the same year against his former deputy Maulana Pohan.

[4] In January 2008, Abdillah along with his deputy Ramli were arrested by the Corruption Eradication Commission[5] under charges of using municipal funds for personal use and for graft related to the purchase of firetrucks.