Gaidam Ibrahim

Ibrahim Gaidam was born in Bukarti village, Yunusari Local Government Area of what is now Yobe State on 15 September 1956.

He began his education at Borno Teachers' College (BTC) in Maiduguri from 1974 to 1979, obtaining a Teachers' Certificate. Later, he pursued further studies at Ahmadu Bello University, earning a Diploma in Accountancy between 1981 and 1983, followed by a BSc in Accountancy Degree in 1990.

Gaidam worked as an accountant in government ministries across the old Borno State (now Yobe State), including roles such as assistant director of Finance in the Directorate of Foods, Roads, and Rural Infrastructure. He also acted as Director of Finance and Supplies in the Yobe Information and Culture Ministry.

In 1995, he left the civil service to become Commissioner for Youths and Sports before later serving as Commissioner of Commerce and Industries. From 1997 to 2007, he held positions as a Director in the State Finance Ministry and Permanent Secretary in various other ministries.

In April 2007, Gaidam was elected deputy governor of Yobe State on the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) platform. Following the death of Governor Mamman Bello Ali in January 2009, he succeeded him as governor.

Gaidam served as governor from 2009 to 2019, initially appointed following Ali’s death and later elected for full terms in 2011 and 2015. His tenure was marked by efforts to address security challenges, including the impact of Boko Haram violence.

After leaving office, he was elected as a senator representing Yobe East on the APC platform in March 2019. He served until his appointment as Minister of Police Affairs in 2023.