US President 'backs' Hillary Clinton's 2016 White House race

US President Barack Obama has somewhat backed US former first lady and secretary of state, Hillary Clinton's bid to becoming the US President in 2016; saying she would make "an excellent president".

Reports say Clinton is expected to announce her candidacy in the 2016 White House run on Sunday, April 12 (today) via a video message on social media.

"She was a formidable candidate in 2008. She was a great supporter of mine in the general election. She was an outstanding secretary of state. She is my friend," Obama was quoted to have said at a press conference in Panama after a summit of Western Hemisphere leaders on Saturday, April 11.

Clinton, 67, lost the 2008 nomination to President Obama and, this time around, it appears she is unlikely to face a formidable primary opponent, with only a few low-profile Democrats saying that they would consider contesting the nomination.

Two other potential candidates, including senator Elizabeth Warren and vice-president Joe Biden, are yet to confirm their candidacy.