Imagine having loyal marine soldiers that have worked for the organization for years and passing them up for two drafted men that you have no idea about. Is Oda saying that the marines are just that stupid or they weren't strong enough cope? It makes no sense for it to be a power thing I would think Akainu would value loyalty more and being a candidate should mean you are strong enough in the first place. Fujitora should have been fired a long time ago.