Political pundits have, in recent months, expressed a myriad of opinions on the possible voting patterns of Ghanaians in the 2020 elections.

With analysis based on the results of the 2016 elections, as well as the current trends in the country, many have literally predicted the results of the next national elections.

The exercise is however one that may constantly keep Former President Mahama awake at night, as he may be eager to determine if he has another shot at presidency:

1. Some NDC members are against his desire to be president

A number of National Democratic Congress (NDC) members have expressed misgivings about Former President Mahama's intention to contest as the party's flagbearer.

2. NPP will be eager as they believe they can beat him again

NDC's John Mahama garnered 44.4% in the 2016 elections, with about 1 million votes less than the eventual winner, NPP's Nana Akufo-Addo. This will prove to be a challenge for the NDC and Mahama as he will have to devise a strategy to overturn the results, if he becomes NDC's flagbearer.

3. His decision is unprecedented

No former president in Ghana's recent history has ever staged a political comeback, and this opens the floodgates for varied possibilities in the 2020 elections.

4. His loss in the 2016 elections

The then NDC flagbearer, John Mahama obtained 4,713,277 votes in the 2016 elections, representing 44.4%. His main competitor, the then Nana Akufo-Addo, garnered 5,716,026 votes, representing 53.9%. This will prove to be a tough challenge for Mahama and the NDC, as he seeks the mandate of the party to lead it into the 2020 elections.

5. Uphill task against an incumbent government

Competing with an incumbent government for political power is almost always an arduous task, and John Mahama's bid to lead the NDC into the 2020 elections will need a special strategy to secure victory.