James McClean sealed the game with a little over minutes remaining after the Latics took the lead through Liam Cooper's own goal in the first half.
Leeds did have some good opportunities to score themselves but failed to register, a fact not lost of their manager, and former Latics midfielder, Neil Redfearn.
"I thought we got in front of goal enough, we had enough of the general play, and we made all the running," said Redfearn.
"The first goal is a mistake, and how many times have we said that after being in a good position?
"Obviously that gives Wigan a bit of impetus and something to defend, and to be fair they defended well. I think had we got it back to 1-1 we would have gone on to win the game.
"Their second goal is disappointing, you've still got to keep an eye on the back door. They get down the sides of us too easily, and it puts a false reflection on what actually happened."
The result helped the Latics make up ground on the other sides, including Leeds, at the foot of the table.
A win at home to Sheffield Wednesay on Tuesday evening would be another filip for the Latics in the race for survival.