Riyad Us-Saliheen (Gardens of the Righteous)

Chapter 83
Prohibition of Appointing an Aspirant Person to a Public Office of Authority

680. Abu Musa Ash`ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I called on the Prophet (PBUH) with two of my cousins. One of them said to him: "O Messenger of Allah (PBUH), appoint me governor of some land over which Allah has given you authority.'' The other also requested for something of the same nature. Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "By Allah we do not appoint someone to this post who seeks it or someone who contends for it.''
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary:  This Hadith supports the theme presented in this chapter by Imam An-Nawawi, that is, a person pushing himself up for an office should be deprived of it. Ambitious persons usually manage to get a high office for self-aggrandizement, damaging the interests of other people. A government should primarily aim at the welfare of people and not serve the interests of the privileged few or benefit the holders of key posts alone.