Former Housing Authority Commissioner Alleges Corruption, Violation of State and Federal Laws by Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and His Allies

Alif Muhammad claims he was pressured to change his vote on a housing contract resolution

Apr. 10, 2026 at 8:20pm

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A photorealistic painting of the Newark City Hall building, its facade cast in warm, golden light with deep shadows, conveying a sense of quiet unease and political tension.The Newark City Hall building stands as a silent witness to the allegations of corruption and abuse of power swirling around the city's political leadership.Newark Today

Former Newark Housing Authority Commissioner Alif Muhammad has gone public with allegations of corruption, intimidation, violation of state and federal laws, and attempted illegal removal from his appointed position. Muhammad claims he was pressured by Newark Mayor Ras Baraka's administration, including the mayor's brother and chief of staff, to change his vote on a housing contract resolution in 2021. Muhammad refused and says he was then targeted for removal from the housing authority board.

Why it matters

The allegations, if true, would represent a serious abuse of power and violation of laws governing the independence of housing authority commissioners. The controversy could undermine the mayor's political standing and lead to investigations by state and federal authorities.

The details

According to Muhammad's account, in April 2021 he voted in favor of a resolution to bring a landscaping contract in-house at the Newark Housing Authority. Shortly after, he says he received calls from Baraka's chief of staff, the housing authority board chair, and a city council member, all pressuring him to change his vote. Muhammad refused, saying he didn't want to compromise his integrity. He later filed a complaint with federal housing authorities and a lawsuit, and provided video evidence of the alleged pressure campaign.

  • On April 8, 2021, the resolution to bring the landscaping contract in-house passed.
  • On April 12-13, 2021, Muhammad says he received an unannounced visit from Baraka's chief of staff demanding he change his vote.
  • On April 14, 2021, a special meeting was held where a new landscaping resolution was passed, and Muhammad says he advised the board that he had filed a complaint with federal housing authorities.

The players

Alif Muhammad

Former Newark Housing Authority Commissioner who has gone public with allegations of corruption and intimidation by the mayor's administration.

Ras Baraka

The mayor of Newark, who is accused of being involved in the alleged pressure campaign against Muhammad.

Amiri Baraka, Jr.

Newark's chief of staff and the mayor's brother, who allegedly pressured Muhammad to change his vote.

Eddie Osborne

Former Newark Housing Authority Board of Commissioners chairman, who allegedly pressured Muhammad.

LaMonica McIver

Newark Central Ward councilwoman, who allegedly pressured Muhammad, and is now a U.S. congresswoman.

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What they’re saying

“I don't want to do it. All I have is my integrity.”

— Alif Muhammad, Former Newark Housing Authority Commissioner

“Integrity is about us. This is politics and this is the world you're in. When someone else disrespects me it's going to be a problem.”

— Amiri Baraka, Jr., Newark Chief of Staff

“At the end of the day I protect my brother, that's all I do," and that Amiri Baraka griped that pay-to-play laws made it so that "we can't make no money in this town.”

— Amiri Baraka, Jr., Newark Chief of Staff

What’s next

The resulting controversy around the video may well lead to the unseating of certain Municipal Council members. Since Alif Muhammad filed a lawsuit in federal court, this means federal and state authorities will begin investigation. The video is very solid evidence in a court of law. At a minimum, the video may undermine incumbent Mayor Ras Baraka's chances for reelection to a fourth term.

The takeaway

The allegations made by former Housing Authority Commissioner Alif Muhammad, if proven true, would represent a serious abuse of power and violation of laws governing the independence of housing authority commissioners. The controversy could have significant political consequences for Newark's mayor and his allies.