Abd al-Kadir succeeded Sulayman Baal as leader of the Torodo regime and was elected almamy of Futa Toro. He adopted ceremonial practices from Futa Jallon while retaining elements of the Denyanke political tradition. His redistribution of vacant lands confirmed the rights of powerful Torodo families over much of central Futa Toro, while the Bosseyabe, Yirlabe, and Hebbyabe families dominated the jaggorde council of electors.

Abd al-Kadir sought to turn Futa Toro into the center of a wider Islamic order. In 1786 he conquered Trarza and killed its amir, Ely Kowri, after demanding authority and tribute. The victory encouraged him to regard himself as the Commander of the Faithful and legitimate heir of Nâsir al-Dïn. He then aimed to impose Islamic law on Waalo, Jolof, and Kayor and extend his rule toward the upper river.

His expansion met a decisive obstacle in Kayor. After Amari Ngoone Ndeela rejected the submission made by his predecessor, Abd al-Kadir organized an expedition in 1790 to colonize Kayor. The army was defeated at Bungoy through a scorched-earth strategy, many Futanke were sold into slavery, and Abd al-Kadir was captured before being returned to Futa Toro. Internal opposition subsequently forced him from his capital, and he was killed in 1807 by combined forces from Bundu and Kaarta.